Photo Director

Photo Director

People Inc. Travel Content (PITC) is seeking a Photo Director to lead visual strategy and execution for programs across print and digital channels for custom clients including Visit California. Reporting to the VP/GM, this role is a key member of a small, high-performing creative team producing award-winning, travel-focused branded content.
This person will balance creative vision with operational discipline—keeping projects on trend, on schedule, and on budget. The ideal candidate is a strong visual storyteller, a decisive leader, and a hands-on producer who can confidently manage clients, direct shoots, and build high-performing creative teams.
The Photo Director will lead a visual assets team (including a Senior Photo Editor and Asset Manager) and oversee all photography across Visit California platforms, including VisitCalifornia.com, social media, Pinterest, and the California Now Podcast, as well as print programs and will lead support across the full portfolio.
Key areas of ownership include:
Photo strategy and visual direction
Image research and licensing
Commissioning and producing original photography
Managing freelance photo researchers and photographers
Hybrid 3x a week- (Des Moines)
In-office Expectations: This position is hybrid in-office, with the ability to work remotely for up to 2 days per week.
About The Positions Contributions:
25%: Lead editorial photo research for print and digital content, including rights clearance, retouching direction, and fee negotiation
25%: Produce and direct original photo shoots, including high-profile and celebrity-driven productions
15%: Manage and mentor internal team members and freelance contributors
15%: Present creative concepts and work to clients; contribute to internal creative and planning discussions
10%: Build and maintain a strong network of photographers, with an emphasis on California-based talent
10%: Ensure all visual content meets brand standards, timelines, and budget requirements
The Role's Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Digital Media, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or equivalent experience
Experience:
10+ years of experience in photo editing, production, or visual management
Strong background in both editorial and branded content, ideally within travel
Proven experience producing photo shoots and managing end-to-end visual workflows
Established network of photographers and freelance photo researchers
Specific Knowledge, Skills, Certifications and Abilities:
Exceptional eye for composition, storytelling, and visual quality
Strong understanding of retouching and color correction processes
Clear, confident communicator with client-facing experience
Highly organized, resourceful, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
% Travel Required (Approximate): 5%
It is the policy of People Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Accommodation requests can be made by emailing hr@people.inc.