Visuals Editor

The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a multimedia and photo editor with strong photo and video skills to lead our team of photographers and video journalists. Must be urgent, a quick learner, social media savvy and have a passion for visual storytelling. A qualified candidate should demonstrate high command of techniques and craftsmanship in photo/video storytelling and community engagement.

The position is based in Oklahoma City, an up-and-coming city with an NBA franchise, a thriving arts and culture scene and plenty of fine dining and entertainment.

In this position, you will coach, supervise and direct the work of photographers, encouraging independent planning and self-direction. You will also contribute to our photo and video report by producing and editing photo and video from a variety of assignments. This editor will guide photographers by applying specific expertise to ensure that they create high-quality content that fulfills the newsroom’s strategy across all platforms. Focus areas include, but are not limited to: photography and picture editing, video and video editing including a hands-on approach to accelerate a story’s path to publication. Guides journalists by consultation and coaching before, during and after the creation of photos and videos.

This editor uses high level of expertise and judgment to determine the placement of content and has a say in the finished product. The editor coordinates and directs photographers to meet deadlines. Oversees the planning, programming and production of newsroom content. Acts as a customer-experience expert and newsroom project manager. Collaborates with content strategists and audience analysts to program content by platform and ensure we deliver on key audience expectations. Ensures the right volume and quality of content across platforms for both daily and enterprise needs.

Responsibilities

• Support the photo and video efforts of the photo staff by producing and editing photography and video stories.
• Coordinate with reporters and editors to generate accurate and engaging photo/video coverage from a variety of stories including short-term daily stories, breaking news, enterprise features.
• Assigns photo requests received from section editors.
• Assures that all assignments are shot and submitted by deadline including editing and caption review.
• Selects the photos that go into the paper, on the website and on our social platforms.
• Creates photo galleries from a multitude of assignments.
• Edit video from a multitude of assignments.
• Acts as liaison between photographers and section editors if problems should occur.
• Works with the entire newsroom to improve photo and video shooting and editing skills across all our story forms.
• Works with and cultivates freelancers to assign and manage assignments.
• Manages workflow for handout photography and the photo archive.
• Supplies our licensing company and wire services with requested photographs.
• Use social media to share your work and connect with our audience.
• Help archive images and video.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. We will also consider candidates with robust freelance experience.
• Prefer overall 15 years of related work experience with 3-5 years as a manager.
• Exceptional core photojournalism skills (photography and videography, photo and video editing, reporting, caption writing and journalistic ethics).
• Experience with multimedia storytelling techniques on multiple platforms.
• Ability to use basic and advanced computer programs, including but not limited to video editing software, Adobe Creative Suite and Photo Mechanic.
• Command of writing, spelling, grammar, AP style.
• Self-motivated and self-directed.
• Strong industry knowledge.
• Familiarity with media law and basic principles of ethical conduct as a journalist.
• Command of media trends.
• Command of evolving visual technologies and practices.
• Organizational skills.
• Effective communicator.
• Able to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Understanding of social media and how to respond and engage audience on digital platforms.
• Deep understanding of and curiosity about competition for our customers’ time and money.
• Able to get along with diverse personalities.
• Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
• Must embrace peer-to-peer feedback and training.
• Applies innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals.
  
  

Application Instructions

About

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

• Your resume - one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
  
  

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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