Manager, Photo - Special Projects (National Geographic)

About the role

National Geographic is seeking a creative, collaborative, and visually driven Photo Manager, Special Projects to help shape world-class storytelling across editorial platforms. Based in New York City, this role will partner closely with editors, photographers, writers, and creative teams to develop and execute visual content for special projects, editorial packages, and enterprise stories.

The ideal candidate is an experienced photo editor with strong visual judgment, excellent editorial instincts, and a passion for discovering new talent and innovative approaches to storytelling. This role will commission and manage photographers and other visual contributors, oversee projects from concept to publication, and serve as a key visual partner to multiple editorial teams across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute visual storytelling for special projects, editorial packages, and enterprise content.
• Commission and manage photographers, illustrators, and other visual contributors.
• Collaborate with editors, writers, designers, and production teams to create compelling multi-platform stories.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with emerging and established photographers, artists, agencies, and creative partners.
• Manage assignments from conception through publication, including research, production, and image selection.
• Explore innovative storytelling formats and visual approaches that engage audiences across print, digital, and social platforms.
• Represent National Geographic within the broader creative community through industry events, portfolio reviews, and talent outreach.

Basic Qualifications:

• 7+ years of professional experience in photo editing, commissioning, visual storytelling, or creative production.
• Exceptional visual judgment and a strong understanding of photography and photojournalism.
• Experience managing photographers and visual contributors throughout the editorial process.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and digital publishing workflows.
• Passion for National Geographic's mission and visual storytelling heritage.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience editing and commissioning photography for a major editorial, media, or publishing organization.
• Strong network of photographers, agencies, visual artists, and creative talent, particularly within the New York creative community.
• Experience developing visual storytelling across print, digital, and social platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to identify emerging talent and innovative storytelling approaches.
• Familiarity with rights management, licensing, production workflows, and photo budgets.
• Knowledge of audience engagement trends and multimedia storytelling formats. Passion for National Geographic's mission and commitment to visual excellence.

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.

This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.

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National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. 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.

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