Visual Editor

We are seeking a versatile and talented Photo and Visual Editor to join our creative team in a multifaceted role that combines graphic design, photo editing, and photojournalism. This role will lead the curation, creation, and management of high-quality visuals across our website and magazine to tell stories in a visual way. This role combines expertise in photo curation and research with the ability to oversee and produce infographics, maps, illustrations, and interactive media. The ideal candidate will also play a key leadership role in training editorial staff in visual design tools like Canva, implementing AI tools for visual creation, and driving innovation in visual storytelling. This person should also be well-versed in photo and visual copyright. 

Key Responsibilities:

Photo:

• Select and curate images for digital and print, ensuring they align with the company's visual style and storytelling goals.
• Manage and organize a digital archive of images
• Develop custom visuals, including photography, illustrations, and graphic designs, to enhance editorial storytelling.
• Edit and retouch photos to meet the highest standards of quality and aesthetics.
• Enhance images using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other editing tools.
• Conduct research and interviews to gather information and context for photo stories.
• Write compelling captions to accompany photographs.
• Build and maintain relationships with stock agencies, freelance photographers, and illustrators to ensure a steady pipeline of fresh, engaging visuals.
• Upkeep photo copyright standards and answer questions about photos

Visual Design:

• Lead the design and creation of infographics, maps, charts, and other data-driven visuals to complement articles and features for various platforms, including social media and print
• Collaborate with developers and designers to create engaging interactive media experiences.
• Develop and ensure all visual assets are optimized for web, mobile, and print platforms while adhering to brand guidelines to ensure consistency 

Training and Collaboration

• Train reporters, editors, and multimedia producers on tools like Canva to empower them in creating high-quality visuals independently.
• Organize and lead workshops and training sessions to enhance the team's visual design skills.
• Explore and implement ways to incorporate AI into the visual creation process, finding innovative solutions to produce bespoke imagery quickly and efficiently.
• Work closely with editorial, product, and multimedia teams to align visual content with overall content strategies.
• Act as a key stakeholder in visual storytelling, ensuring consistency and quality across all platforms.
• Provide creative direction, feedback and support to team members, freelancers, and contributors.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in graphic design, photo editing, and photojournalism.
• Proficiency in design and photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom).
• Strong knowledge of Canva and all its capabilities.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, edited photos, and photojournalistic work.
• Excellent eye for detail, composition, and visual storytelling.
• Understand basic workflow for interactive visuals.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience leading training initiatives and collaborating.
• Familiarity with AI tools for content creation and design.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Must be flexible on working hours depending on project.
• Any other reasonable duties to meet the needs of the business.
• Flexibility to travel and work on location as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Graphic Design, Photography, Visual Arts, Journalism, or a related field.
• Understanding of HTML and CSS to collaborate with product teams on interactive visuals is a plus.
• Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) is a plus.
• Knowledge of current trends in design, photography, and visual storytelling.
• Photographer; Capture high-quality photographs that tell a story and convey the essence of events, people, and places.