Job Description

Visual Journalist Position

The Athens Banner-Herald, part of USA Today Co. and the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a highly skilled, digitally savvy, experienced visual journalist to join our team and create distinctive visual storytelling across platforms.

This journalist will use visuals, with a heavy emphasis on video, to inform and engage our key audiences, as well as illustrate the must-read journalism produced by the newsroom. The ideal candidate is highly collaborative and fluent in digital journalism tools with an emphasis on fast, high-quality video production and photo galleries for breaking news, enterprise coverage, and sports. They will cover daily assignments for sports, news, public safety, politics, features, and more. They will bring their own original ideas to the table and take initiative to pitch and execute compelling visual stories that serve audience needs. Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.

This position will work a Tuesday – Saturday shift, with flexible hours that depend on that day's assignments.

What you'll do:

• Produce, shoot, and edit high-quality video and still images that accurately inform and engage our audience.
• Develop and pitch timely visual story ideas, including videos, photo galleries, and other multimedia.
• Quickly turn around video and still images for assignments, often filing from the field and juggling multiple projects.
• Use audience metrics to shape coverage decisions and refine visual storytelling.
• Maintain and regularly update visuals on digital platforms to keep coverage current and relevant.
• Build strong relationships with editors, reporters, and the community, contributing to coverage plans and newsroom collaborations.
• Be a resource for the newsroom, helping to develop relevant trainings and workshops for reporters looking to develop their own visual skills.
• Serve as the primary photographer for University of Georgia sports for the Athens Banner-Herald and the USA Today Network.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2 years of professional experience in visual journalism and video creation
• Strong news judgment, planning skills, and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to prioritize, multitask, and pivot quickly as news and assignments change.
• Proficiency in SEO and optimization for visuals
• High-level communication, time management, and planning skills
• Openness to feedback and commitment to continual improvement.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and travel as news and sports require.

Application Instructions:

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals' application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com.

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