Job Description

Random House Children’s Books is looking for a Photo Editor for its National Geographic Kids publishing program. The Photo Editor is responsible for researching, curating, and editing visual content with a nuanced eye for the National Geographic Kids audience. This position works with the Senior Photo Director to ensure that all photographic content is aligned with Nat Geo Kids brand style and identity. The Photo Editor maintains the National Geographic level of excellence in photography and works closely with editors and designers to produce photographic content for both solo and series titles. They are responsible for ensuring that all photographic assets are being used properly regarding copyright, and they work with manufacturing to ensure quality color reproduction.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Sources photographic content for approx. 15 titles each year. 

• Oversees photos in assigned projects and supports other duties for various kid’s book projects as assigned. 

• Thoroughly photo research concepts and subject matter to curate the best quality and most eye-catching photography that is possible to license.

• Collaborates with editors and designers to refine content, maintain factual accuracy, and align visuals with editorial intent appropriate for various age groups. 

• Works with manufacturing to assure accurate color reproduction quality, in alignment with National Geographic's visual reputation. Must be able to articulate desired color outcomes.  

• Works with independent contractors/book packagers to ensure they are aligned with Nat Geo Kids brand identity and are maintaining level of excellence in photographic content. 

• Gathers and enters caption, credit and licensing info into appropriate database. 

• Negotiates competitive rates with photo sources, as needed. 

• Stays abreast of trends in market research that pertain to audience and buyer. 

• Follows brand style guide and photo process guides to implement photo research and file handling. 

• Contributes ideas to brainstorm sessions with editors.  

• Adheres to schedules and budgets. 

• Keywords and uploads photos to internal library. 

• Organizes and produces studio and on-location shoots, as needed. Work with photo director and art directors to storyboard photos and create shot lists.  

Please apply if you meet the following qualifications:

• 3+ years of related experience in sourcing photographic content, with an emphasis on kid’s non-fiction books, and the versatility to handle other kid’s media projects as needed 

• Ability to recognize styles of photography and source within the brand vision as outlined by the Nat Geo Kids style guide 
• Some experience with/knowledge of National Geographic Kids’s core subject areas (animals, science, nature, history, and facts)
• Must be able to discern between authentic and AI generated images and check image veracity when in question 

• Proven deep, expedient research skills (with agencies, individual contributors, archives, libraries, social media) 

• Excellent visual taste and strong eye for photography 

• Ability to speak about vision for photographic content at creative meetings like weekly creative review and cover concept  

• Ability to negotiate effectively with photo sources 

• Good written, verbal, and presentation skills 

• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Teams, FileMaker, Airtable, DAMs 

• Knowledge of the printing processes and color reproduction 

• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines 

• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently 

• Positive, efficient roll-up-your-sleeves attitude 

• Enthusiasm to collaborate on new ideas, ability to think in fresh ways about how to best represent our content visually 

• Self-motivated and resourceful 

Preferred Experience:

• Ability to shoot photos and/or videos is a plus 

• Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign 

The salary for this position is $66,500.00. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.   

Please apply by April 14, 2025 and include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our  applicant resources page and look over our open-to-remote guidelines on our  FAQs page.

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at < "">

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Company: Penguin Random House LLC

Country: United States of America 

State/Region: New York 

City: New York 

Postal Code: 10019 

Job ID: 279166

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, For contractors, Flexible hours,

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