Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
We’re on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you’ll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.
The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.
The Washington Post is looking for a passionate and proven leader to elevate and reboot our approach to visual journalism. This masthead-level role oversees the design, graphics and photo departments along with cross-functional visual storytelling teams within News.
The Head of Visuals is a key decision maker and driver of the daily news report. They work closely with peers on the masthead and teams across the company, especially in Product. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record of setting and executing a vision for visual work that aligns with company goals, experience with new technologies and a deep understanding of how visual journalism must evolve alongside audience habits.
This role is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom and reports directly to the executive editor.
You're energized by setting the standard for and leading agenda-setting visual storytelling.
You thrive in a fast-paced environment that requires constant collaboration across the newsroom and the company.
Passion for The Washington Post and its mission to provide high-quality journalism to all of America and increase engagement on- and off-platform.
How You’ll Support the Mission
Drive coverage toward creative, informative and arresting visual storytelling, advancing the quality of our work and setting ever-higher standards for reader experiences.
Bolster the visual impact of Post journalism both on- and off-platform, incorporating a data-informed approach aimed at growing engagement and readership.
Manage significant change in the ways visual departments operate and how they interact with related teams across the company and with users.
Evolve team structures and workflows as we seek to maximize our potential in delivering visually led journalism. Identify and execute more efficient and effective ways of melding visual disciplines, including impactful technologies.
Help deepen the visual awareness and acuity of the entire Post newsroom, whether on visual teams or not.
Collaborate with counterparts in Engineering and Product and teams such as Marketing to improve reader experiences, evaluate new storytelling forms and upgrade tools.
Embrace and help the newsroom meet The Post’s goals for responsibly incorporating AI into our journalistic work.
Work as needed on business deals and contracts with external vendors, including tactical and strategic approaches to partnerships.
Represent The Post’s visual ambition at relevant industry conferences and events.
Inspire a large and diverse group of journalists to find new ways of working together to serve audience growth goals.
At least 15 years of professional journalism experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Expert technical knowledge and understanding of photography, graphics, illustration and design, as well as awareness of how technology is driving changes across the industry.
A track record of success in developing and implementing innovative visual storytelling strategies.
The ability to take an audience-centric view of journalistic work, using data and analytics to inform decision making.
A deep understanding of the role that outside platforms play in reader experiences with The Post’s brand.
Dynamic leadership skills, including a collaborative spirit and a strong and respectful communication style.
Experience managing a budget.
Interested candidates should upload a detailed cover letter and a résumé to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Nov. 15 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Executive Editor Matt Murray.
The pay range for this position is: $202,700 - $376,500.
The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:
Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
Nine paid holidays and two personal days
20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
Robust mental health resources
Backup care and caregiver concierge services
Gender affirming services
Pet insurance
Free Post digital subscription
Leadership and career development programs
Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.