Visual Journalist

About OPB 

Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) is an independent, nonprofit media organization serving communities across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB connects people through trusted journalism that is freely accessible to everyone. Guided by public service and a commitment to equity, we deliver in-depth, fact-driven coverage of politics, science and the environment, arts and culture, education and more. OPB shares stories and programs wherever people seek them: on opb.org, OPB Radio and TV, the OPB News app, social media, streaming video, podcasts, or our daily “First Look” and other email newsletters 

The Opportunity 

OPB is seeking a full-time visual journalist to join our award-winning team. We are looking for an experienced and dynamic photojournalist with exceptional photography skills and video experience. This role is a blend of daily news coverage, projects and some photo desk work. Our ideal candidate is passionate about visual storytelling and approaches each assignment with curiosity and creativity. This journalist will cover daily news stories and be skilled in a variety of visual reportage styles, including news, portraiture, environmental, sports and illustration. Strong news judgment and photo editing skills are a must. You may be a great fit for this role if: 

• You have a strong visual style and enthusiasm for new technologies.
• You are inspired to find innovative ways to tell stories visually.
• You possess strong problem-solving skills and are open to new ideas and experimentation.
• You are dedicated to high-quality journalism and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

If this sounds like you, we urge you to apply! 

Position Details 

The Visual Journalist produces visual content for use on OPB’s digital and social platforms. This position works primarily in the News team but may contribute to other OPB products as needed. The Visual Journalist will produce photos and/or video for daily and breaking news, long-term projects and self-directed projects. The Visual Journalist’s primary duties are: 

• Schedule, create and produce storytelling photos, video and illustrations
• Work to ensure OPB’s visual content aligns with the highest photojournalism and journalism standards 
• Collaborate with editors, reporters, and the editorial team to conceptualize and execute visuals on a variety of beats
• Pitch and generate photo-driven stories 
• Help on photo desk when needed, including digital story presentation, permissions, sourcing images, building galleries and processing reporter-shot images
• Connect with the community through visual storytelling and outreach

Responsibilities  

70% - Produce storytelling visual content, including photos, illustrations and video, for OPB’s digital products 

• Collaborate with editors and reporters to determine optimal visual opportunities for news stories
• Responsible for all aspects of visual reportage, from image conception to publication, including shooting, reporting, processing, captioning and delivery
• Pitch, photograph and report self-directed photo essays
• May produce short-form videos, Instagram reels, audio slideshows or other digital forms of reporting, as needed 

20% - Production Management: Maintain equipment and related needs. Ensure consistent workflow processes are followed regarding ingesting, captioning, processing and archiving photos. 

10% - Photo desk duties, as needed, including attending news meetings, taking photo requests, scheduling shoots, processing reporter and submitted images, visual presentations for digital stories, etc. 

Working Conditions 

• This work is a combination of field work, office and remote work. Fieldwork may include travel across the region, or nationally, including during inclement weather events. 
• Must live in Oregon or Washington state. 
• Work hours are Tuesday-Saturday, and may include some evenings and weekends, depending on news coverage needs.
• Lifting/carrying/moving equipment up to 40 pounds is sometimes required.
• Local, regional, national, remote location travel required.
• Valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license is required.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.
• Minimum 4 years of professional photojournalism experience, in a newsroom or media environment. Comparable experience such as freelance work and commercial photography would be considered.
• Experience with visual and multimedia storytelling
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with DSLR and mirrorless cameras 
• Advanced understanding of photo and video editing software
• Demonstrated excellence in visual and reporting skills
• Understands AP style
• Possess strong editorial news judgment and photojournalistic ethics
• Able to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Self-motivated and directed
• Exceptional organizational, communication and writing skills
• Demonstrate understanding of journalistic purpose and commitment to our mission to connect people across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest through the power of a shared story.

Preferred Qualifications 

• A keen interest in understanding diverse communities and cultures
• Skilled at telling stories that resonate with broad audiences
• Understanding of user experience trends and best practices for visual presentations
• Experience creating unique content for a variety platforms
• Commitment to professional growth
• Enthusiastic team player
• Licensed drone operator
• Animation and/or interactive graphic skills are a plus

Additional Information 

• This position is union represented and benefits eligible
• The probable hiring range for this nonexempt position is between $28.85 and $34.24 depending on qualifications
• For the safety of our employees, the contractors/vendors we work with, and the public we serve, OPB has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy and all employees are required to show proof of vaccination.