Job Details

Job Posting Title:
Photo Editor (RP)

Req ID:
10138987

Job Description:
Photo Editor, National Geographic Books - History & Science Specialist
Overview

National Geographic Books is seeking a highly specializedPhoto Editor with deep institutional knowledge of National Geographic's photographic legacy and a strong command of science-based visual storytelling. This role goes beyond traditional photo editing: the ideal candidate brings an archivist's instinct, a researcher's discipline, and the creative problem-solving needed to illustrate complex scientific concepts in compelling, visually accessible ways.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the editorial lead for projects requiring deep historical contextualization, including legacy retrospectives, archival-driven books, and cross-platform collaborations with the National Geographic Society.
• Conduct advanced archival research across National Geographic's historic photo collections, using extensive internal knowledge to surface rare, definitive, or overlooked images.
• Develop and execute visual strategies for conceptually difficult science topics-astronomy, geology, climate science, evolutionary biology, environmental processes, and more.
• Source photography and illustrations from specialized scientific databases, research institutions, NASA/NOAA/ESA channels, university labs, and subject-matter experts.
• Translate complex scientific concepts into visually engaging image packages through creative solutions (e.g., microscopic imagery, satellite data visualization, photomicrography, composite workflows, scientific diagrams).
• Collaborate closely with authors, scientists, designers, and cartographers to ensure scientific accuracy, narrative clarity, and historical integrity.
• Manage licensing, rights clearances, and metadata accuracy for a mix of archival, contemporary, and scientific imagery.
• Contribute to long-range visual planning for books that rely on National Geographic's heritage, including imagery selection for anniversaries, exhibition tie-ins, or brand-defining titles.

Required Expertise & Qualifications

• Extensive working knowledge of National Geographic's photographic history, archive, and stylistic evolution, with the ability to identify contributors, eras, and signature approaches.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing and editing imagery for complex, conceptually challenging science subjects; familiarity with scientific archives and lab-based photography strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to collaborate with scientists, researchers, and academics to ensure accuracy and precision.
• 5-7+ years of professional photo editing experience, ideally in science, history, or documentary publishing.
• Exceptional research skills and the ability to synthesize complex topics into visual narratives.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and comfort working within a fast-paced publishing environment.

This position is ideal for someone who:

• Thrives at the intersection of photography, science, and history
• Is deeply familiar with National Geographic's internal resources, legacy contributors, and editorial voice
• Enjoys solving visual problems that require both creativity and scientific rigor

The hiring range for this position in Washington, DC is $65,300.00 to $87,500.00 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.

Job Posting Segment:
NA - Publishing

Job Posting Primary Business:
Global Book Commercialization (NA)

Primary Job Posting Category:
Pub-Creative Content

Employment Type:
Part time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Washington, DC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2025-12-30