Photo Editor Level 2, Impact Story Lab – Storytelling

National Geographic Society

. Develop and produce a diverse portfolio of media, focusing on photography for the Perpetual Planet Expeditions and Blue Boundaries Programs .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $99,700 - $105,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in media production, particularly in photography and storytelling, with a strong ability to manage projects, budgets, and teams effectively. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and skilled in collaborating with diverse stakeholders to deliver high-quality visual content.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Photography Project ManagementAdobe Creative Suite ProficiencyVisual Storytelling ExpertiseMedia Production WorkflowsTeam Leadership and Mentoring

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

PhotographyVideographyAudio RecordingPhoto EditingStory DevelopmentCaptioningProject SchedulingBudget ManagementField Logistics CoordinationVisual Storytelling

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationAttention to DetailMentoringFeedback Management

Tools & Technologies

Adobe PremiereAdobe After Effects

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Photography

Industry Keywords

Media ProductionNational Geographic StandardsFreelance ManagementCreative Visual StorytellingScience Communication

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and produce a diverse portfolio of media, focusing on photography for the Perpetual Planet Expeditions and Blue Boundaries Programs
Independently lead photography projects meeting National Geographic standards
Develop and execute complex, multi-part storytelling projects through story development, planning, field assignments, photo editing, captioning, and curated selections
Hire and manage a global cohort of photographers and storytellers
Manage photographic production schedules and budgets
Hire and manage freelance photographers
Coordinate field logistics
Ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget
Organize, caption, and archive original assets, legal binders, and other deliverables
Coordinate with the Special Collections team to finalize and provide media assets and deliverables to partners and working groups
Guide internal and external partners through the photography process and manage feedback
Perform hands-on photography, videography, audio recording, editing, graphics, and music composition as necessary

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in photography
7+ years of media production experience
Record of ambitious, creative, innovative visual storytelling
Proven success crafting stories from complicated science concepts
Ability to independently manage photographers in the field and edit under tight deadlines
Solid understanding of media production workflows for a diversity of outlets
Comfort and skill responding to and addressing producer and client feedback
Excellent collaboration skills
Ability to work well as part of a team and mentor less experienced staff
Ability to prioritize tasks and strong attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Premiere and After Effects
Legally authorized to work in the United States
Position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
Flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year)
10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays
Paid winter break between December 25 and 31
Paid parental leave
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility benefits
Learning and development opportunities
Lifestyle Spending Account
Pet adoption assistance and insurance
Pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
National Geographic discounts and perks
Hybrid work arrangement with required work at Base Camp every Tuesday and Wednesday