Picture Editor - News Visuals

About the Role

Become a vital member of the Guardian's picture desk team, contributing to a globally recognized media organization known for fearless investigative journalism and diverse perspectives. This full-time, permanent role on a nine-day fortnight schedule offers an opportunity to shape striking visual narratives for news stories, enhancing reader engagement through carefully selected and edited imagery across digital channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop inventive visual concepts to illustrate breaking news stories within strict deadlines.
• Collaborate with editors and art directors to plan and align photographic content with news angles.
• Operate independently under the guidance of global and UK photography leadership.
• Make editorial decisions that ensure images are truthful, ethical, and meet legal standards.
• Negotiate photography fees in partnership with photography heads.
• Create multimedia presentations including galleries, slideshows, photo essays, composites, and video loops.
• Occasionally commission photographic assignments.
• Prepare visual assets for social media platforms as needed.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrable expertise in picture editing and research, preferably within national or international media.
• Comprehensive understanding of copyright and image licensing practices.
• Experience commissioning photography and managing budgets and fee negotiations.
• Familiarity with various picture agencies, online archives, and a strong network of freelance photographers domestically and internationally.
• Proficient with Mac systems and Adobe Photoshop; knowledge of The Grid or similar image library databases is advantageous.
• Alignment with Guardian's values: honesty, integrity, courage, fairness, and commitment to readers and community.
• Ability to contribute diverse viewpoints to editorial content is preferred.

Additional Information

The position is based primarily at the Guardian's King’s Cross offices in London, operating in a hybrid environment. Job share applications are welcomed through a combined submission. Salary starts at £60,748, depending on qualifications and experience.

The Guardian promotes equal opportunity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups in UK media. Support is available throughout the recruitment process to accommodate individual needs.

Benefits

• Six weeks’ annual leave plus public holidays with an option to buy additional days.
• Generous pension scheme with contributions between 8-12% from the employer when the employee contributes 5%.
• Two paid volunteering days annually and options for payroll giving.
• Access to private healthcare, life insurance, income protection, and eye care; optional dental insurance.
• Enhanced family leave policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave.
• Supportive policies for IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality.
• Wellbeing initiatives such as free yoga and pilates classes, gym membership, cycle-to-work scheme, and a scenic on-site canteen.
• Employee forums for diversity of thought and inclusion; the Guardian is B Corp certified.

Learning and Development

The Guardian fosters continuous personal and professional development, providing access to a wide array of resources and supporting vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.