Visual Journalist Trainee, The Sydney Morning Herald

The Sydney Morning Herald, recently celebrated 190 years of independent journalism. Reaching millions readers each month across print and online, it is Australia’s most widely-read masthead. Working with us means you’ll contribute to a storied legacy and gain unparalleled opportunities for career growth and impact in the media industry.

Ready to kick-start your career in photography and video? The Sydney Morning Herald is looking for a  talented, emerging Visual Journalist to join our award-winning team for a unique 12-month, fixed-term traineeship. 

The trainee will be immersed in high-quality visual storytelling across photography and video for one of Australia's most respected mastheads. This is a full-time rostered position and could involve shift work including weekends.

The traineeship program is funded as part of a partnership between Nine Publishing and Canon Australia. The trainee will also be provided with industry-leading imaging equipment from Canon Australia. 

Day to day you will:

• Deliver high-quality photography and video work for breaking news, features and live events
• Pitch and develop unique visual content ideas
• Build excellent news judgement and knowledge of current affairs
• Gain proficiency with professional-grade camera systems and post-production software
• Learn crucial newsroom workflows, including content management and editing
• Work effectively both autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Meet agreed deadlines and manage competing priorities
• Be mentored by award-winning colleagues 

What you'll bring:

• A compelling portfolio showing a strong interest and solid understanding of basic photography and/or video production
• Visual story ideas that will help grow the audience of The Sydney Morning Herald
• The ability to build rapport and communicate clearly with people at all levels
• Excellent organisational skills, including structuring activities and attending to detail
• Proven initiative and commitment to quality work and problem-solving
• A capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Sound time management and an appropriate sense of urgency
• A full Australian drivers’ licence is required
• Own transport is essential - you will be refunded for mileage, petrol and tolls

If the successful candidate needs to relocate from interstate or regional areas to take up the traineeship, they may be eligible for grants up to $5,000 each from the Fairfax Foundation for relocation expenses. Trainees must apply and meet eligibility criteria, providing evidence of financial need.

How we work

At Nine, our flexible work options vary by role and team. Depending on the position, this may include flexible hours, hybrid work, or part-time arrangements. We welcome discussing your flexibility needs during the hiring process - just ask the Talent Acquisition team. 

Our employee benefits include:

• 18 weeks paid parental leave with no distinction between primary and secondary carers
• Access to 'Employee Exclusives' program - a way of getting closer to our incredible brands, offering unique experiences, behind-the-scenes access, and awesome perks.
• Digital newspaper subscription to our mastheads
• Annual gift voucher for Stan subscription 

More info at Nine Careers

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We're committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive Nine. From day one, you'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and will be supported to perform at your best.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and of all ages, genders, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures as we recognise the importance and value of diverse perspectives. Should you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please advise us when you apply.

Work rights: Please note to apply for this role you must already have the right to lawfully work and live in Australia.  

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