Manager, Photo - Special Projects (National Geographic)

Manager, Photo - Special Projects (National Geographic)Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10156262 Location New York, New York, United States Business National Geographic Date posted Jul. 21, 2026Job Summary:

National Geographic is seeking a creative, collaborative, and visually driven Photo Manager, Special Projects to help shape world-class storytelling across editorial platforms. Based in New York City, this role will partner closely with editors, photographers, writers, and creative teams to develop and execute visual content for special projects, editorial packages, and enterprise stories.

The ideal candidate is an experienced photo editor with strong visual judgment, excellent editorial instincts, and a passion for discovering new talent and innovative approaches to storytelling. This role will commission and manage photographers and other visual contributors, oversee projects from concept to publication, and serve as a key visual partner to multiple editorial teams across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute visual storytelling for special projects, editorial packages, and enterprise content.
• Commission and manage photographers, illustrators, and other visual contributors.
• Collaborate with editors, writers, designers, and production teams to create compelling multi-platform stories.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with emerging and established photographers, artists, agencies, and creative partners.
• Manage assignments from conception through publication, including research, production, and image selection.
• Explore innovative storytelling formats and visual approaches that engage audiences across print, digital, and social platforms.
• Represent National Geographic within the broader creative community through industry events, portfolio reviews, and talent outreach.

Basic Qualifications:

• 7+ years of professional experience in photo editing, commissioning, visual storytelling, or creative production.
• Exceptional visual judgment and a strong understanding of photography and photojournalism.
• Experience managing photographers and visual contributors throughout the editorial process.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and digital publishing workflows.
• Passion for National Geographic's mission and visual storytelling heritage.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience editing and commissioning photography for a major editorial, media, or publishing organization.
• Strong network of photographers, agencies, visual artists, and creative talent, particularly within the New York creative community.
• Experience developing visual storytelling across print, digital, and social platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to identify emerging talent and innovative storytelling approaches.
• Familiarity with rights management, licensing, production workflows, and photo budgets.
• Knowledge of audience engagement trends and multimedia storytelling formats. Passion for National Geographic's mission and commitment to visual excellence.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Photography, Journalism, Visual Communications, Art, Media Studies, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

The hiring range for this position in New York is $121,000 to $162,200 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.

About National Geographic:

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.

National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.