WIRED is where a better future is imagined. For three decades, we have been the indispensable guide to a world in constant transformation. We cover humanity’s biggest challenges, from climate change to global security, from pandemic preparedness to the future of democracy, and tell stories of the people trying to solve these challenges and the role science and technology can play—for good or ill. WIRED reaches more than 30 million people each month through WIRED.com, our digital edition, the magazine, social media, and live events.

Job Description

Location:

New York, NY

Senior Photo Editor – Job Description

Overview
This role directly reports to the Director of Photography. The Senior Photo Editor is responsible for developing and executing high-level visual storytelling across digital and print platforms for the WIRED Global Network. This role leads photo production from concept through final delivery, collaborates closely with editorial and design teams, and helps shape the publication’s visual identity. The Senior Photo Editor also mentors junior staff, manages complex productions, and contributes ideas that elevate WIRED’s visual standards across all platforms.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Visual Storytelling: Conceptualize, commission, and produce photography for features, profiles, and editorial packages, collaborating closely with editors, designers, and the Director of Photography to determine the strongest visual approach for each story.

• Manage all aspects of photo shoot production: Developing and executing art direction, making shot lists and call sheets, hiring photographers and crew, negotiating rates, securing appropriate releases and insurance, adhering to safety protocols, and ensuring timely delivery of final files and retouching.

• Mentor and Lead Staff: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior photo staff, supporting their professional development and ensuring consistency in workflow and visual quality.

• Manage Print Production: Oversee print photo production for the WIRED Global Network, ensuring deadlines and visual standards are consistently met for independent features or front of book as needed.

• Photo Research and Licensing: Conduct photo research for both digital and print editions of WIRED, sourcing, licensing, and editing imagery and video assets for Wired.com and other platforms.

• Image Editing: Utilize advanced Photoshop skills for color correction, toning, retouching direction, and cropping to maintain the publication’s visual quality.

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with the design team to support digital illustrations and visual treatments that enhance editorial storytelling.

• Rights Management: Uphold publishing copyright laws and artist rights in accordance with Condé Nast policies, ensuring proper licensing, crediting, and usage of imagery.

• Talent Development: Continuously research and review photographer portfolios, cultivate relationships with photographers, and identify emerging talent for assignments and potential photo essays.

• Industry Representation: Represent WIRED at industry events, panels, and portfolio reviews to strengthen the brand’s presence within the photography community.

• Maintain Visual Standards: Ensure WIRED’s visual aesthetic and editorial integrity are maintained across digital, print, social, and emerging platforms. 

• Upholds photojournalistic standards and ethics.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Experience: 8+ years of professional experience in photo editing, or a related field.

• Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and strong familiarity with digital asset workflows.

• Ability to work in a fast paced news environment: Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and pivot quickly. 

• Production Leadership: Extensive experience managing complex photo shoots and coordinating multi-stakeholder productions.

• Digital & Social Knowledge: Strong understanding of digital storytelling, social media formats, and emerging visual platforms, including vertical video.

• Rights & Licensing: In-depth knowledge of artist contracts, copyright law, image licensing, and photographer rights.

• Industry Network: Strong awareness of photographers, videographers, artist representatives, and creative agencies, with the ability to identify and recruit new talent.

• Creative Range: Familiarity with animation, motion, and digital illustration workflows is a plus.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management abilities.

• Editorial Collaboration: Proven ability to contribute meaningfully to editorial discussions and develop compelling visual narratives across platforms.

• Education: BA or BFA in Photography, Studio Art, Visual Media, or a related field preferred.

The expected base salary range for this position is from $88,000 - $115,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.

This is a guild position.

What happens next?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply below, and we will review your application as soon as possible. You can update your resume or upload a cover letter at any time by accessing your candidate profile.

Condé Nast is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.