As a salaried employee, hours will vary, but the photo editor must be able to work an average of 30 hours per week. The photo editor coordinates a staff of three photographers (sometimes including a senior photographer) in covering the visual elements necessary to the news, features and sports stories that are printed in the newspaper and presented online. The photo editor is specifically expected to:
- Shoot a minimum of five assignments per week
- Check in with photographers with assignments and desk editors twice a day (once before noon)
- Check tip sheets and budget on a twice-daily basis
- Coordinate the photo desk to ensure that all photo assignments are fulfilled and that communication happens effectively between news desks, the photo desk, the design desk and the managing editor in order to provide a cohesive artistic element to each day’s newspaper
- Communicate effectively with reporters and editors for photo possibilities
- Keep track of all photographic elements in the works, making sure they are finished in time for publication and contain no inappropriate images (nudity, obscene gestures, product placement, etc.)
- Be present for entire duration of photo edit night until all photos are uploaded and prepared for press
- Write cutlines for all your photos in publication or online
- Work effectively with the design desk in coordinating photo illustrations
- Ensure that at least two photo slideshows per week are posted online
- Oversee the use and checkout of photo equipment
- Train photographers in the proper fulfillment of their duties
- Assist in the hiring of photographers
- Have flexible schedule and be able to work on-call
- Attend required staff meetings and schedule weekly desk meetings as necessary
- Attend calendar meetings once a week and budget meetings at 3:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
- Set individual goals each term to improve journalistic skills, and help others set goals each term to improve their journalistic skills
Direct supervisor: Managing editor
