Photo Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Our Team: At LNP Media Group, our work is rooted in service to our community. As a nonprofit media organization, we are dedicated to delivering trusted journalism, meaningful storytelling, and essential information that helps our community stay informed, engaged, and connected. Our mission-driven approach ensures that our reporting and services strengthen civic life and support the long-term vitality of Lancaster County.

We believe great work happens when talented people feel supported, respected, and empowered. Our culture values collaboration, accountability, curiosity, and innovation. We encourage employees to bring their ideas, perspectives, and passion to the table as we continue to evolve in a rapidly changing media landscape.

At LNP Media Group, every role contributes to our shared purpose - to serve the community through impactful journalism and responsible stewardship of a trusted local institution.

Summary: The Photo Editor leads a team of three photographers and 10-12 freelance photographers in the pursuit of great visual journalism across a variety of categories for LNP | LancasterOnline. Some of this storytelling is done in collaboration with content editors and writers, other work is done independently. The position also is a key steward of photo planning, photo archiving, coaching reporters on how to take photos, and encouraging readers to submit work for use as well. The Photo Editor might also shoot assignments themselves.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Pursue, teach, and advocate for powerful visual storytelling across our platforms.

Demonstrate a passion for news and the ability to contribute to every part of the news process, including story ideas.

Supervise and facilitate the work of staff photographers on visual journalism that is honest, compelling and makes a difference in the community we serve. Provide guidance and feedback to the photography staff in a regular way.

Regularly edit the work of photographers and pitch best photos for presentation in print and online.

Attend daily morning and afternoon content meetings with both a plan for photo coverage and the ability to collaborate on the go with photo ideas for stories pitched by other editors.

Act collaboratively in the advance planning of Sunday print centerpieces and major digital projects with other editors and teams. Look ahead often to match our "7-10 days out" philosophy when planning coverage.

Use metrics/analytics to inform decisions about the timing, subject matter and likely success of photo assignments. Work with those making requests to optimize them for their greatest audience potential while also minimizing the number of assignments with little digital audience potential.

Maintain expert financial management of equipment purchases, freelance assignments, and any other matters of cost. Provide monthly summary of expenses to the Director.

Maintain an up-to-date inventory of photo equipment, including age of equipment and which photographer has each piece. 

Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position manages the work of three full-time staff photographers. Leads, manages, and develops assigned team members by overseeing hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, coaching, employee development, and disciplinary actions as needed. Conducts performance evaluations, establishes goals and expectations, promotes accountability, and fosters a positive, high-performing team culture while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and employment regulations.

In addition to the essential functions listed above, the employee is expected to exercise honesty, integrity and respect with all clients and co-workers, maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, demonstrate a positive attitude, communicate effectively with co-workers and clients, work with accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail, respect the work environment and keep it as neat and clean as possible, and exercise imitative to learn new skills and tasks and to help co-workers when possible. The employee is also expected to perform other related duties and functions as required from time to time.

Equal Opportunity & Employment Notice

LNP Media Group is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

LNP Media Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process and during employment. Individuals who require accommodation should notify Human Resources.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Duties and responsibilities may change based on organizational needs.

Employment with LNP Media Group is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

Requirements

 Minimum Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education/Experience: 3-5 years of experience as a photographer, visual editor or business owner in the photography field. Bachelor's Degree preferred in related field. (Journalism or documentary experience is preferred over studio experience.) Proven ability to lead a team. A firm grasp of current events particularly as they relate to LNP | Lancaster Online's core coverage area.

Communication Skills: Ability to read and interpret instructions, policies, and procedures, and communicate effectively in writing and verbally with employees and stakeholders. Effective communication, negotiation, and de-escalation skills are required.

Technical/System Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word and Powerpoint. Proficiency in current photo and video editing software including but not limited to InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere. Comfort working with AI tools, data, and performance metrics. Readiness to learn new systems. Basic knowledge of HTML/CSS a plus. Thorough familiarity with journalism and libel law. Preferred - experience with digital/interactive graphics would be a plus!

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment as needed to perform job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made. 

Work Environment: Professional office environment using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers. Ability to work and collaborate in a mixed-media environment, to multitask in a deadline-driven newsroom and to adapt constructively and creatively to change. A keen interest in and knowledge of LNP competitors.