The New York Times is hiring: Head of Photography, NYT Wirecutter in New York

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.

Overview

Wirecutter is looking for a Head of Photography to lead the evolution of our visual storytelling. Photography is central to how we do journalism here, and we’re investing to make it even more so. You’ll report to the Creative Director, work closely together to set the photography vision for the brand, and have real autonomy to run your department from our dedicated studio in Long Island City. You’ll oversee a team of three photographers and run a great studio that includes the physical space, prop closet, set design, and coordination with freelance photographers, stylists, and other collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the photography vision, working closely with the Creative Director and pushing beyond the current creative strategy.


• Direct product and editorial photography across a range of shoot types: product spreads, individual products and product details, POV shots, and process photography that documents testing and earns reader trust.


• Integrate video into the mix, knowing when a short clip serves a story better than a still, and establish studio and team workflows to handle both.


• Train the newsroom by developing programs and giving real feedback to help writers and editors capture better images themselves.


• Develop and mentor the in‑house photography team, creating conditions for growth, career advancement, and creative risk‑taking.


• Run studio operations, ensuring efficient production while maintaining high quality, and coordinate with freelancers and other collaborators.


• Demonstrate support of our journalistic independence and commitment to seeking the truth and helping people understand the world.

Basic Qualifications

• 8+ years in professional photography or visual direction, with meaningful experience managing a team.


• A strong portfolio of product and editorial photography that informs and builds trust.


• Experience in an editorial or newsroom environment.


• Proven ability to run a working studio.


• Commitment to being in the Long Island City studio most days; this is a hands‑on role.

Preferred Qualifications

• A real instinct for developing people and giving honest feedback that improves others.


• Comfort with short‑form video production and the judgment to use it appropriately.


• Strong communication and collaboration skills across editorial and creative teams.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base pay range for this role is $150,000 – $170,000 USD. For U.S. roles you may be eligible for variable pay such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, a company‑matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and professional development programs. For roles outside the U.S., benefit details will be provided during the interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable, and quality journalism. We embrace a diverse workforce and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristics. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Know Your Rights Poster is available here. The Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.