Senior Features Photo Editor (National Geographic)
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10156501 Location Washington, DC, United States Business National Geographic Date posted Jul. 21, 2026Job Summary:
Senior Photo Editor, Features to help shape the visual storytelling of the brand’s most ambitious editorial work. This role is responsible for developing, commissioning, producing, and editing photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms, working closely with editors, writers, designers, photographers, and producers from concept through publication.
The ideal candidate is an exceptional visual storyteller with strong editorial judgment, a deep knowledge of photography, and extensive experience managing complex assignments and productions. This individual will bring creative vision, organizational excellence, and a collaborative approach to producing compelling visual journalism that reflects National Geographic’s commitment to excellence.
Responsibilities:
- Commission, edit, and produce photography for feature stories across print and digital platforms.
- Identify and develop visual storytelling approaches that elevate editorial content.
- Manage all aspects of assignments, including photographer selection, creative direction, production planning, timelines, and budgets.
- Collaborate with editors, writers, designers, researchers, and producers throughout the editorial process.
- Lead visual development for special projects, editorial packages, and franchises.
- Ensure accuracy and quality of all photo deliverables, including captions, credits, rights, and metadata.
- Provide production support for domestic and international assignments.
- Identify and cultivate relationships with photographers and visual storytellers around the world.
- Represent National Geographic within the photography and visual journalism community.
Basic Qualifications:
- 8+ years of experience in photo editing, visual storytelling, and commissioning within editorial media.
- Exceptional visual judgment and a strong understanding of photography and photojournalism.
- Experience managing complex photographic assignments and productions.
- Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
- Ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and digital asset management systems.
- Passion for National Geographic's mission and commitment to visual excellence.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Photo editing software such as Adobe Bridge, Lightroom.
Required Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Photography, Journalism, Visual Communications, Art, Media Studies, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Preferred Education:
- Advanced degree or specialized training in Photography, Journalism, Visual Storytelling, Documentary Studies, Fine Arts, or a related field.
- Professional coursework or demonstrated expertise in photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, visual editing, or documentary production.
The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $95,500 to $128,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
About National Geographic:
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.
National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.