The Guardian
Picture editor, News
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Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.
We are looking for a Picture Editor, News, to join the Guardian’s picture desk. You will help select, edit and present visually impactful imagery for our news content to engage readers and reflect editorial priorities across our digital platforms. The role is pivotal in driving our ambitions to expand and future proof our visual journalism with engaging and dynamic presentations and photography choices that reflect the richly diverse stories we report on.
This position is a full-time, permanent NUJ contract and it follows a nine-day fortnight schedule.
About the Role
- Generate creative ideas for illustrating breaking news stories, working to tight deadlines
- Work closely with editors and art directors to plan visuals for upcoming news stories to align photography with story angles
- Work autonomously within guidelines set by the global and UK heads of photography
- Make editorial decisions ensuring images are accurate, ethical and legally compliant
- Agree fees in collaboration with the global and UK heads of photography
- Create galleries, slideshows, photo essays, composites and video loops
- Commission photo assignments on occasion
- Provide social media assets as required
About You
- Proven experience in picture editing and research, ideally within national or global media
- Thorough understanding of copyright and image licensing
- Experience of commissioning photography
- Experience of handling budgets and fee negotiation
- Sound knowledge of generalist and specialist picture agencies and online archives
- A good network of contacts and knowledge of freelance photographers in the UK and abroad
- Knowledge of Mac and Photoshop
- Knowledge of the Grid or a similar image library system is desirable
- Aligned with Guardian values: honesty, integrity, courage, fairness and a sense of duty to the reader and the community
- Ideally you will have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to the role
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We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.
We operate in a hybrid environment working the majority of shifts from our offices in King’s Cross in London.
Job share applications are welcome. If you are keen to apply jointly with someone else as a job share, you should make a single application and combine your application documents.
The salary for this NUJ position is from £60,748, with a package commensurate with the skills, level of experience and responsibilities of the position.
How to Apply
To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for.
We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team. Thank you for bearing with us during the screening process.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 28 July.
All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs.
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Benefits at the Guardian
You'll have six weeks of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.
You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.
We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.
Culture and Wellbeing
We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.
We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.
Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Learning and Development
We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.
We value honesty in your application.
AI generated content must not be presented as your own work. Please review our guidance on the use of AI in your application here.
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