Director of Video and Visual Storytelling

We’re seeking a strategic, creative leader to define the next chapter of visual journalism in our newsroom. The Director of Video and Visual Storytelling will oversee a talented team of videographers, video editors, producers and photojournalists—driving ambitious, audience-centered visual storytelling across all platforms. This role requires someone who can champion human-centered stories while identifying the formats, platforms and workflows that help our journalism reach and grow key audiences.

This director will set the vision and strategy for our shortform and longform video efforts, lead the development of compelling visual series and special projects, and ensure our photography elevates our storytelling. They will collaborate across the newsroom—especially with reporters, editors and the audience team—to embed visual thinking into the reporting process and ensure our work resonates across digital, social and on-site platforms. They will also help us grow off-platform audiences, particularly on YouTube  and social channels, in ways that support our long-term subscriber strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Set and execute a newsroom-wide strategy for video and visual storytelling that drives reach, engagement and audience growth across platforms

  Lead, coach and grow a team of visual journalists—including videographers, video editors,  producers and photojournalists—with a focus on collaboration, creativity and impact

  Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for shortform and longform video across platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and TikTok

  Create and oversee distinctive visual series, franchises or tentpole projects that build engagement and audience habit

  Elevate photography across all coverage areas and strengthen the visual identity of our journalism

  Collaborate with editors, reporters and the audience team to elevate our visual storytelling

  Use data and performance insights to guide decision-making, optimize content, and grow audience reach

  Experiment with new formats, tools and technologies to ensure our visual journalism remains dynamic and competitive

 

We’re Looking for Someone Who

Brings strategic vision and a proven track record of building successful video and visual storytelling initiatives tied to audience growth, ideally with 5+ years of leading video strategy

  Understands how to grow audiences across platforms and connect off-platform engagement to subscription goals

  Brings strong editorial judgment and a strategic mindset around audience, storytelling and innovation

  Has experience leading diverse visual teams and creating inclusive, collaborative work environments

  Communicates clearly, gives constructive feedback and sets a high bar for visual excellence

  Thrives in a data-driven newsroom setting and can work seamlessly across departments to build alignment and momentum

  Stays current on trends in video, photography, audience behavior and digital platform strategy

 

Success is Measured By

Growth in reach and engagement with video and visual journalism across platforms

  Development and performance of repeatable visual formats, series and high-impact projects

  Quality, consistency and integration of visual storytelling across the newsroom

  Growth in off-platform audiences and measurable contribution to subscriber acquisition and retention

 

About the Houston Chronicle:

The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands.  Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston.  All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home.

WHAT WE OFFER:

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Houston Chronicle. Our business is growing and transforming every day.  Advertisers are partnering with us to help them navigate new marketing strategies in today’s increasingly complex digital environment. Simply put, the Houston Chronicle is a media company that uses its rich history and data to deliver the most impactful media campaigns for our customers. We leverage our substantial audience reach, coupled with best in class advertising solutions to keep our customer’s brand in front of the right people at the right time.

 Why are we different? Our people! Our company is diverse and filled with smart, passionate people who want to make a difference in their community, regardless of the role they play in the company. We offer an upbeat and collaborative working environment and expect our people to challenge the norm.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. 

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.  

Be a part of something bigger – your headline awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com.  Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

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