Director of Video and Visual Storytelling

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 an