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Salary: USD 175,000 - 195,000 / annual
The Cut, part of Vox Media, is seeking a Photography Director to lead visual strategy across digital, social, video, and print platforms. This is a leadership role reporting to the Editor-in-Chief of The Cut, responsible for setting and advancing the publication's visual identity while managing a photo team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and executing visual strategy across all platforms (print, digital, social, video)
- Leading and mentoring the photo team, providing direction, feedback, and support
- Managing all aspects of photo shoot production, from commissioning and vendor liaison to budget oversight
- Tracking and maintaining the photo budget, assigning project budgets, and communicating with editorial leadership and finance
- Managing workflow, workload distribution, and visual quality standards
- Overseeing photo research, image selection, credits, CMS uploads, and publication
- Conducting visual research and curating photographer lists with visual boards
- Building and maintaining relationships with editors across The Cut to understand visual needs
- Pitching ideas for new photographers, essays, and photo-driven stories
- Developing relationships with photo agencies, independent photographers, stylists, and studios
- Ensuring contracts, photo fees, and usage rights are properly managed; verifying ethical standards and copyright compliance
- Collaborating with sales, partnerships, editorial, web, social, and video teams for consistent visual execution
- Occasional travel for assignments and shoots
The ideal candidate will have deep editorial judgment, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. You should obsessively follow culture (politics, fashion, celebrity) and understand what makes a Cut story. Impeccable visual taste, big ideas for expanding The Cut's visual language, and a passion for storytelling are essential.
Requirements:
- Minimum 10 years of experience in visual production, photo editing, or related field
- Strong people management skills with a track record of inspiring and developing talent
- Excellent editorial judgment with demonstrated experience managing teams to develop visual stories across platforms
- Deep understanding of each platform's visual requirements
- Proficiency in photo editing software, including Adobe Creative Suite and Photoshop
- Enviable book of contacts across agencies, photographers, and creatives
- Ability to travel occasionally for assignments and shoots
- Comfort working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
