The Brand Creative team of University Communications is looking for a creative, energetic, next-generation visual storyteller to join us as a Visuals Editor. You are a professional with a journalistic eye who can capture the imagination of our audience to visually tell the story of USC faculty, staff, students, alumni and other members of the Trojan Family, through photography, illustration and other visual tools. Partnering closely with members of the Editorial team and the Creative Director, the Visuals Editor will be responsible for all aspects of photo shoot production, photo research and photo editing primarily for print, digital and branded content. This position will report to the Senior Project Manager. Highly organized and detail oriented, candidates should have excellent editorial judgment and a strong ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. A broad knowledge of industry teams is a must, i.e. strong relationships with agencies, photographers, studios, etc.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of photo research, photo editing and photo shoot production primarily for print, digital and branded content.

• Generate ideas for visual stories and maintain a strong editorial voice through selection of imagery that is aligned with the USC’s brand and mission. Sophisticated visual aesthetic.

• Work collaboratively with the editorial and creative team on story concepts to help determine which stories need photos or illustrations.

• Research and select photos, illustrations or other imagery for editorial stories, new stories, social media channels, presentations and videos.

• Engage with high-level photo and illustration subjects, writers, editors, photographers, illustrators, web developers and other public relations and creative team members.

• Manage contracts, photo fees and usage rights with the Creative team and the USC legal department.

• Oversee image licensing and purchasing of images from various stock websites.

• Create mock-ups for presentation of creative projects.

• Maintain a bank of images for various editorial and creative team needs.

Preferred Job Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the position of Visuals Editor has the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Media, Journalism, Photography or Design

• In depth and thorough knowledge of photographic processes, ideally as a photographer or working with photographers

• Exceptional visual storytelling skills

• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Photoshop, Acrobat, InDesign)

• Experience with Photo Mechanic is a plus

• Solid background working with photographers and stock agencies

• Strong eye for photography is a must

• Astute news judgment and active engagement with communications trends.

• Highly organized, analytical and meticulous in maintaining information using detailed record-keeping systems and metadata

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills

• Experience in a complex organization juggling multiple projects and deadlines

• Highly collaborative and enjoys working in teams

• Excellent photo research skills and deep knowledge of rights management and usage

• Able to resize, retouch and color correct photos is a plus

• News background is a plus

• Experience with video is a plus

• Adept at photographing content for various editorial, marketing and creative projects a plus

• Print production knowledge is a plus

Candidate Must Submit:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Portfolio of work

The hourly rate range for this position is $33.27 - $38.47. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Minimum Education: Associate's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education. Minimum Experience: 3 years. Minimum Field of Expertise: Education in graphic or industrial design. Work experience as graphic designer covering all aspects of artwork preparation and printing. Requires thorough knowledge of typography, printing processes, selection of paper or printing surface and paper folding, binding and finishing.