Freelance Photo Editor Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Join the future of news
We're on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you'll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.
About Our Team
The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.
Why This Role Matters
The Washington Post is seeking a rigorous, creative and fast-moving photo assignment editor to help drive visual storytelling across our newsroom.
This role is central to how The Post reports the news visually, from breaking coverage to ambitious enterprise. The photo assignment editor will assign, shape and deliver high-impact photography and visual stories that resonate with local, national and global audiences. The ideal candidate combines sharp news judgment with a sophisticated visual sensibility and a strong understanding of how storytelling translates across platforms.
We are looking for an editor who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can pivot quickly between assignments and is eager to experiment with new approaches to visual journalism. This role requires close collaboration with reporters, editors and visual teams across the newsroom to ensure our photography is timely, authoritative and distinctive.
This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom and will require some night and weekend shifts.
What Motivates You:

• You are passionate about visual storytelling and its power to shape how audiences experience the news.

• You thrive on the urgency of breaking news and the challenge of producing high-impact work on deadline.

• You enjoy collaborating with photographers and journalists across disciplines.

• You are curious about new formats and platforms for visual storytelling.

• You are driven to produce work that is both visually compelling and journalistically rigorous.

How You'll Support the Mission:

• Assign photography, conduct visual research and generate visual stories across daily and enterprise coverage.

• Pitch, write and edit visual-first stories that elevate The Post's journalism.

• Manage a wide range of assignments, from breaking news to immersive, high-impact visual projects.

• Work closely with correspondents and editors in Washington and across the U.S. and globally.

• Collaborate with visual, design and audience teams to deliver engaging, accurate and informative reader experiences.

• Develop creative visual storytelling approaches that take advantage of all publishing platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:

• A track record of editing complex visual stories across a range of formats.

• A strong eye for photography and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of freelance photographers.

• Deep understanding of visual storytelling across digital and print platforms.

• Ability to write concise, accurate copy for photo presentations.

• Comfort working quickly and pivoting between breaking news and longer-term enterprise.

• Experience with visual storytelling that integrates photography, video, graphics, text and audio.

• Proficiency with digital tools such as Photoshop and PhotoMechanic; working knowledge of Premiere or other video editing software is a plus.

Interested candidates should upload a résumé and a cover letter to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Apr. 30 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Deputy Director of Photography Oliver Laurent and Director of Photography Robert Miller.
The salary range for this position is $92,600 - $138,800. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.
Collaboration makes us stronger. That's why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.
Compensation and Benefits
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and two personal days
• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
• Robust mental health resources
• Backup care and caregiver concierge services
• Gender affirming services
• Pet insurance
• Free Post digital subscription
• Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
Your story awaits. Apply today!
Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.