Remote Visual Journalist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Image Library Editor (Volunteer)
Note: This is a remote, part-time volunteer position.
Just two or three hours a week can make a real difference.
We're looking for an Image Library Editor to help build, organize, and maintain a library of high-quality visuals that support our journalism. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working carefully and independently with images, metadata, and digital assets - and wants to contribute to meaningful editorial work without taking on a heavy weekly commitment.
You'll help source, process, and organize images from Creative Commons, the public domain, and other approved sources for use across our stories and projects. Training is provided, and the workload is intentionally manageable.
Who We Are
WhoWhatWhy is an independent nonprofit investigative news organization producing deep-dive journalism on the most important issues of our time. We're powered by skilled volunteers and a small core staff - from students to seasoned professionals - who believe in rigorous, ethical reporting free from corporate or political influence.
About the Role
As an Image Library Editor, you will help build a visual resource that writers, editors, and other team members can draw from in support of strong storytelling. You will:

• Source images from Creative Commons, public domain, and other approved sources
• Review and edit selected images for quality, consistency, and usability
• Organize and catalog images for easy retrieval and future use
• Add accurate metadata, attribution, and other identifying information
• Help ensure images are properly documented for editorial use
• Process approximately 10 images per week
• Work with the Lead Image Editor to follow established workflows and standards
• Communicate regularly about progress, questions, and image availability

What We're Looking For

• Experience editing or preparing digital images using Photoshop or similar tools
• Strong attention to detail in organizing files, tracking metadata, and maintaining accurate attribution
• Comfort working carefully and consistently with repetitive but important editorial support tasks
• Interest in photography, visual storytelling, digital media, or journalism support work
• Ability to work independently and follow an established workflow
• Clear written communication and reliable follow-through

Bonus

• Familiarity with Creative Commons, public domain, or rights-cleared image sourcing
• Experience working with image libraries, digital asset organization, or content archives
• Experience writing captions, metadata, or attribution notes
• Familiarity with Google Docs or other shared digital workspaces
• Interest in journalism, editorial production, or nonprofit media

Commitment
We value volunteers who can contribute consistently over time and communicate reliably with their teams. Scheduling is flexible and will vary depending on the role, workload, and department needs.
For this role, the expected workload is light - typically around 2-3 hours per week, with approximately 10 images processed per week.
How to Apply
Please send:

• Your resume or a brief summary of your relevant experience
• A short note explaining your interest in the role
• Optional but helpful: a few examples of image editing, photo sourcing, metadata, captioning, or other relevant visual work

If you cannot upload your materials, email them to [email protected]. Please check your spam folder for responses.
Reminder
We value thoughtful, genuine applications that reflect your own voice and interest in the role.