Assistant Director, Global Photo Desk

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks an experienced visual journalist and newsroom leader to serve as one of three assistant directors for global photo production reporting to the deputy director of photography for global production. We’re looking for three talented leaders who will ensure our global photo desk meets the demands of AP’s ever expanding customer base, particularly in the highly competitive digital space, leaning on exceptional visual skills – including a sharp sense of photo composition and digital image editing.

The Assistant Directors for Global Photo Production will liaise with newsgathering leaders to get a clear list of all photographer assignments daily and in real time so editors can be scheduled for times of maximum demand, big events, expected news, planned sports. They will also ensure very fast responses to all customer photo inquiries with the latest deployment plans for AP photographers around the world – especially after major news breaks.

Responsibilities: Reporting to the assistant director of photography you will supervise photo production shifts and ensure that photos from news, sports and entertainment worldwide are published quickly and presented flawlessly. You will schedule editors and shifts, direct daily workflows and ensure handovers are documented so no work is dropped between time zones, with detailed daily reports on photo production. You will be part of a dynamic operation that works closely with photo staff worldwide to ensure the AP’s photo report is accurate, fast and distinctive for audiences around the world.

For this role, you will:

• Direct daily photo production workflows, setting priorities across breaking news, sports and entertainment coverage while ensuring editors understand assignments, deadlines and escalation points.

• Refine desk workflows so photos from AP staff and freelance photographers move quickly, especially during breaking news.

• Ensure high-quality editing, strong support for AP’s global photographers and a culture of respect and teamwork between photo newsgathering and photo production.

• Maintain consistent metadata, including XMP files provided to photographers before planned assignments.

• Work with the deputy director of photography on strategic scheduling to ensure continuous staffing and smooth handoffs across time zones.

• Produce daily metrics reports on photos moved, speed to customers, caption corrections and editor output to support a data-informed culture.

• Ensure global photographer assignments in AP Playbook are matched with global photo desk production editors for top news and sports events.

• Elevate photo curation through creative packaging of AP’s strongest work.

• Build a customer-focused desk culture with fast, clear and professional communication with global customers.

• Help strengthen expertise in journalistic, ethical, legal and copyright standards across the photo editing staff.

• Identify and develop diverse talent and leadership within the photo desk across all regions.

• Bring proven experience as a photo editor and shift supervisor who can manage high image volume, prioritize tasks, direct workflows and meet deadlines.

• Rapidly edit and process live photo feeds from major news, sports and entertainment events.

• Collaborate with global video and text production teams to support integrated storytelling and consistent metadata across formats.

• Work any shift, including nights and weekends, as coverage demands in AP’s 24/7 operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

We're looking for someone who lives to tell stories with arresting photography and wants to work as a guide and mentor to those who share that passion. Deep experience as a photographer or photo editor is required, along with in-depth knowledge of the customer marketplace for visual journalism. You will cultivate an inclusive, team-first culture, collaborating with journalists across the AP. Applicants must be resourceful and able to work through complex and sensitive obstacles.

Required Qualifications:

All applicants must be able to work in the location where the position is based or be able to gain permission to do so. Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging storylines.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.