Visual Journalist
The News & Observer is looking for visual journalists to join us in shaping and executing our visual journalism strategy. The ideal candidate is versatile, collaborative across the newsroom and is an effective storyteller who produces high-impact stills and video stories that connect with existing and new audiences in digital and print platforms.
The Raleigh-Durham region, home of the state capital, is among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. Known as the Triangle, the area is home to major universities, state government and numerous corporate headquarters and fast-growing startups. Our journalists work in communities with vibrant choices for foodies, arts and music lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. We’re two hours from the beach and three hours from the mountains.
Visual journalists play a critical role in shaping our journalism, working closely with newsroom colleagues to tell the most important and timely stories. A strong work ethic, the ability to multitask and the aptitude to work across short- and long-term deadlines is required.
This individual will pitch, report and produce daily and long-term video stories, as well as delivering stills for most stories.
This visual journalist must be able to:
- Demonstrate versatility in covering breaking news, sports and features on deadline for digital presentations and for print.
- Report, edit and produce compelling video journalism on deadline.
- Collaborate with editors/reporters to develop creative approaches to storytelling.
- Write good SEO headlines, summaries and social media posts to promote their work.
- Write accurate and detailed captions for stills.
- Understand journalistic ethics.
- Be willing to work nights, holidays and weekends.
- Travel as needed. Must have reliable transportation. Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).
Experience & Education:
- A minimum of 2 years of daily newsroom experience is preferred. Extensive background in journalism, video and digital online media preferred.
- College degree required.
Skills needed:
- Familiarity with DSLR and professional video cameras, non-linear editing and video content management systems
- Ability to quickly edit video
- Proficient in PhotoShop, Photo Mechanic, Final Cut Pro or Premier Pro, Google suite, FTP
- Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and team-player skills required.
- Strategic thinking experience and the ability to work across a broad-section of colleagues is essential.
- Reliable news judgment, advanced communication skills needed
- A deeply connected professional network is important.
- A vision of future audience trends and digital media is vital to success.
- The ability to monitor a vast amount of information for a wide audience, matched with discerning judgement
- Aptitude for thinking big and quickly iterating
Applications should include a cover letter, three references and links to a portfolio. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.