Photo & Design Director, California Post

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Photo & Design Director, California Post Company: New York Post Location: Los Angeles - Pico Blvd, California, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Media & Publishing Operations (Visual Operations) Date Posted: August 27, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee all visual storytelling across print and digital platforms for the new California Post.
• Lead and mentor a team of visual professionals including photography, graphics, and multimedia specialists.
• Establish and maintain the visual identity and creative standards for the California Post.
• Drive innovation in visual journalism, pushing creative boundaries in graphics, photography, and multimedia content.
• Ensure visual content strategically enhances and elevates editorial storytelling across all channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for establishing the visual brand of a new publication. The emphasis on "bold, innovative visuals" and "pushing creative approaches" suggests a need for a leader who can not only manage but also inspire and innovate within the visual operations of a news organization. The focus on both print and digital platforms requires a director with a comprehensive understanding of modern media production workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Photo and Design departments, encompassing both print and digital output.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team, including a Deputy Photo Director, Senior Editor of Design, and supporting staff.
• Define and enforce the visual identity and aesthetic standards for the California Post, ensuring consistency across all platforms.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and quality control of visual coverage for breaking news, feature stories, investigations, and long-term projects.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with editors, reporters, and senior leadership to integrate visuals seamlessly into the narrative.
• Spearhead the development of new visual formats and techniques, including innovative graphics, illustrations, photography, composites, and multimedia elements.
• Manage the page design and production process for print editions, ensuring adherence to deadlines and quality standards.
• Direct digital-first visual content strategies, ensuring graphics and photography meet the demands of online platforms and audience engagement.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with external agencies, freelance photographers, illustrators, and vendors to secure high-quality visual assets.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom environment, maintaining editorial integrity and accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic vision, team management, and hands-on oversight of visual production. The need to "negotiate with agencies, freelancers, and vendors" indicates an operational responsibility for resource management and procurement within the visual department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Graphic Design, Photography, or a related field is typically expected for senior leadership roles in visual media. Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive newsroom experience, with a significant portion spent in senior leadership positions within photo, design, or visual journalism departments. Experience working within the Los Angeles media market is a key requirement.

Required Skills:

• Proven success in leading and managing cross-functional teams, including photographers, graphic designers, and multimedia producers.
• Exceptional news judgment and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure, balancing breaking news needs with long-term visual projects.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for image manipulation, graphic creation, and layout.
• Familiarity with newsroom design systems and workflows, such as Methode or advanced InDesign publishing workflows.
• Deep understanding of photography principles, including lighting, composition, and editing techniques.
• Strong grasp of design principles, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy to create impactful and cohesive visual narratives.
• Strategic thinking capability to conceptualize and execute visual strategies for both print and digital media.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with editorial teams and staff management.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced newsroom environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with After Effects or other motion graphics software for video and animated content.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and digital publishing platforms.
• Knowledge of data visualization techniques and tools.
• Experience with photo editing software beyond Adobe Photoshop, such as Capture One.
• A strong network of freelance photographers and illustrators within the Los Angeles area.
• Understanding of SEO principles as they relate to visual content optimization for digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "working in Los Angeles" suggests a need for local market knowledge, which is crucial for a publication focused on the region. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and newsroom design systems points to the technical backbone of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of professional visual journalism work, with a strong emphasis on leadership projects.
• Demonstrations of visual storytelling across diverse news genres, including breaking news, features, investigations, and opinion pieces.
• Examples of strategic visual planning and execution for both print publications and digital platforms.
• Case studies illustrating successful team management, creative direction, and project oversight in visual departments.
• Evidence of innovative approaches to graphics, illustrations, photography, and multimedia content creation.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of established workflows for photo acquisition, editing, and dissemination.
• Documentation of design processes for print layout, digital graphics, and multimedia integration.
• Case studies detailing how visual elements were used to enhance specific stories, including the rationale behind the choices.
• Evidence of process optimization efforts that improved efficiency, quality, or impact of visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is central to this role, needing to demonstrate not just creative output but also leadership and strategic application of visual elements within a news context. The emphasis on both print and digital necessitates a portfolio that reflects versatility.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000 USD per year. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits package.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Caregiving support benefits.
• Emotional well-being resources.
• Transportation benefits.
• Access to a variety of "elective" benefits tailored to employee needs.

Working Hours: While the standard work week is likely 40 hours, the nature of a newsroom operations role, especially for a Director, implies that flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays is expected due to breaking news and publication deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a good benchmark for a senior-level visual leadership role in a major metropolitan market like Los Angeles. The benefits package is robust, covering a wide spectrum of employee needs, which is a strong draw for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Publishing, specifically News & Journalism. The New York Post is known for its distinctive, often provocative, and agenda-setting style, which is now being extended to the California market with the launch of the California Post. Company Size: The New York Post is a well-established media organization, part of the larger News Corp conglomerate. As a new venture, the California Post will likely start with a focused team that will grow over time. Founded: The New York Post was founded in 1801, making it one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in the United States. The California Post is a new initiative, launching with the ambition to be a "game changer" and "a bold, new voice" for Los Angeles and California.

Team Structure:

• The Photo & Design Director will report directly to the Editor-in-Chief of the California Post.
• The role involves managing a team that includes a Deputy Photo Director, a Senior Editor of Design, and supporting staff across photography, graphics, and multimedia roles.
• Collaboration will be extensive with editors, reporters, digital producers, and potentially marketing and advertising teams.

Methodology:

• The visual operations will likely follow industry-standard newsroom workflows, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and editorial integrity.
• A data-driven approach to audience engagement will be crucial, informing visual content strategies for digital platforms.
• Continuous innovation in visual storytelling techniques will be encouraged to maintain a competitive edge.
• Strong emphasis on collaboration and feedback loops within the editorial and visual teams.

Company Website: New York Post Careers (Assuming this is the primary portal for career opportunities, though the specific California Post site may not be live yet).

📝 Enhancement Note: The launch of the California Post signifies a significant investment and a desire to replicate the New York Post's impactful journalism in a new market. The culture is expected to be fast-paced, results-oriented, and driven by strong editorial vision, with a push towards digital-first content.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director level, overseeing a critical functional area (visuals) within a major publication launch. This is a senior leadership role with significant responsibility for shaping the brand's visual identity and impact. Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Editor-in-Chief, placing the role at a high level within the editorial hierarchy. This ensures direct influence on content strategy and decision-making. Operations Impact: The visual output of this department directly influences audience engagement, brand perception, and the overall effectiveness of storytelling across print and digital. This role has a substantial impact on the success of the California Post's launch and ongoing operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to build and shape a visual department from the ground up for a new publication.
• Potential to influence the broader editorial direction and brand strategy of the California Post.
• Advancement within the New York Post/News Corp organization, potentially leading to broader responsibilities across different publications or digital platforms.
• Development of leadership skills in a high-stakes, high-growth environment.
• Opportunities to mentor and develop talent in photography, design, and multimedia.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a high-impact role offering a unique chance to establish a visual operation from inception. The growth potential is significant, tied to the success and expansion of the California Post.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires regular onsite presence in the new Los Angeles office. This suggests a modern, dynamic newsroom environment designed for collaboration and fast-paced work. Office Location(s): Los Angeles - Pico Blvd. This location will serve as the hub for the California Post's operations.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative newsroom setting where visual teams work closely with editorial staff.
• Access to industry-standard technology and software for design, photography, and multimedia production.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior editorial leadership and reporters.
• A stimulating environment focused on producing high-quality, impactful journalism.

Work Schedule: While the role is likely structured around a standard work week, the demands of a news organization mean that flexibility to work outside of traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, will be necessary to cover breaking news and meet publication deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "regular onsite presence" is crucial for candidates to understand. This is not a remote role and requires active participation in a physical newsroom environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, leadership, and visual capabilities.
• First Interview: Likely with the Editor-in-Chief or a senior editorial leader to discuss strategic vision, news judgment, and leadership approach. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their philosophy on visual storytelling in news.
• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session to walk through the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, challenges faced, and outcomes. Focus on how visuals supported editorial goals.
• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, such as senior editors, deputy photo directors, or design leads, to assess collaboration style and technical understanding.
• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level executives or HR to discuss culture fit, compensation, and final logistics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent your leadership, innovation, and impact across both print and digital. Ensure variety in news topics and visual formats.
• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the editorial goal, your specific contribution as a leader, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable impact of your visual strategy (e.g., audience engagement, clarity of message, awards).
• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you managed teams, mentored staff, and collaborated with editorial counterparts. Highlight any process improvements or innovations you implemented.
• Print vs. Digital: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in both print layout and design, as well as digital visual storytelling, including multimedia and graphics.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to speak in detail about your decision-making process, your approach to managing deadlines, and your vision for the California Post's visual identity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates may be asked to present a strategic vision for the California Post's visual identity or critique existing visual approaches.
• Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to managing difficult editorial relationships, handling breaking news visual demands, or dealing with budget constraints.
• Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and how you foster creativity and collaboration within a visual team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates must be ready to not only present their work but also to deconstruct their decision-making, leadership, and strategic thinking behind it. Understanding the New York Post's existing visual style and the California Post's mission will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (graphics, infographics), and InDesign (page layout, print production).
• Adobe After Effects: Beneficial for motion graphics, animated explainers, and video elements.
• Photo Editing Software: Familiarity with other professional photo editing tools beyond Photoshop may be advantageous (e.g., Capture One).
• Newsroom Design Systems: Experience with specific newsroom publishing workflows and content management systems (CMS) is highly relevant (e.g., Methode, WoodWing, or similar).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Parse.ly) to understand audience engagement with visual content.
• Tools for tracking image usage and performance across digital platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing a CRM in the traditional sense, understanding how visual assets are managed, tagged, and retrieved within a digital asset management (DAM) system or CMS is important.
• Familiarity with project management tools used in newsrooms for workflow tracking and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with newsroom-specific publishing systems and an understanding of digital analytics related to visual content will strongly differentiate candidates.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Visual Storytelling: A commitment to producing compelling, accurate, and impactful visual content that elevates the journalism.
• Innovation and Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and pushing boundaries in how stories are told visually across platforms.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where visual teams work seamlessly with editorial and other departments.
• Speed and Accuracy: Upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity while delivering content efficiently in a fast-paced news cycle.
• Audience Focus: Understanding the target audience and creating visuals that resonate and engage effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative engagement with editors and reporters to ensure visuals align with story objectives.
• Openness to feedback and constructive criticism from team members and stakeholders.
• A collaborative spirit to brainstorm ideas and solve visual challenges collectively.
• Building strong working relationships across departments to achieve shared goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely mirror the New York Post's reputation for dynamic, impactful journalism. Expect a results-driven environment that values creativity, speed, and strong editorial collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing the visual identity and operational workflows for a brand-new publication from scratch.
• Balancing the distinct visual needs of print and digital platforms in a dynamic media landscape.
• Managing and motivating a team in a high-pressure newsroom environment, especially during the initial launch phase.
• Keeping pace with rapidly evolving visual technologies and audience consumption habits.
• Integrating new visual strategies and tools into existing newsroom processes efficiently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Direct experience in launching and scaling a major media property.
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills in a high-stakes environment.
• Exposure to cutting-edge visual technologies and trends in journalism.
• Mentorship from experienced senior leadership within the New York Post and News Corp.
• Potential to shape the future visual direction of a significant new media outlet.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique challenge and opportunity to build something new. Overcoming the inherent complexities of a launch, while leveraging growth potential, will be key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define and implement the visual identity for the California Post, distinguishing it from other West Coast publications?"
• "Describe your approach to managing competing visual priorities between breaking news photography and in-depth feature design."
• "Walk me through a time you successfully innovated a visual storytelling technique that significantly improved audience engagement."
• "How do you ensure your visual team stays current with industry trends and technological advancements while meeting daily deadlines?"
• "What is your philosophy on managing freelance relationships and negotiating for visual assets?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of the New York Post's editorial voice, and how would you translate that visually for a California audience?"
• "How do you foster a collaborative and productive environment within a visual team, and how would you integrate with the broader editorial team?"
• "Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a visual project or approach that was initially met with resistance."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your leadership philosophy and approach to visual operations. Then, present 2-3 key projects in detail, focusing on the strategic thinking, execution, and impact.
• Narrative: For each project, tell a story that highlights your problem-solving skills, leadership, and the tangible results of your visual work. Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity).
• Visuals First: Let your portfolio speak for itself, but be prepared to provide context and answer specific questions about your creative choices, technical execution, and team management.
• California Focus: Tailor your examples and discussion to demonstrate an understanding of the Los Angeles and California media landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research the New York Post's current visual style and editorial content. Preparing specific examples that showcase leadership, innovation, and a deep understanding of both print and digital visual operations will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Photo & Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases your most impactful visual leadership projects across print and digital media. Ensure it highlights team management, innovation, and strategic visual execution.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of newsroom experience, senior leadership roles, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and successes in managing visual teams. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your visual strategy for the California Post, your leadership approach, and specific examples from your portfolio. Practice articulating your vision and how you drive impact.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the New York Post's brand, editorial stance, and the ambitious vision for the California Post. Understand the competitive media landscape in Los Angeles.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.