Food and dining reporter

The Southwest Florida restaurant scene has flourished in recent years, fueled by passionate chefs and an eclectic dining community that lives for food. The person hired for this position will cover all aspects of food coverage, such as writing restaurant reviews and other parts of the restaurant scene: first-look stories; breaking news on closures; features on chefs; award-winning restaurants and holes-in-the-wall doing interesting things; plus, in-depth enterprise on area food trends. Coverage will highlight the diversity of this region's food offerings, from street-side taquerias and chains to posh waterfront resorts.

This position is also for a journalist who brings many tools to the job: someone who can write stories for print and online on a tight deadline; a journalist with strong SEO (search engine optimization) skills; someone who understands social media such as creating Instagram stories and sharing them in an informative and fun way; a reporter who feels confident in taking photos and videos with your phone for a story; and someone who communicates effectively with editors and fellow reporters.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two years of reporting experience in a daily newsroom.

• Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.

• SEO skills and proficiency on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Threads and Instagram, and experience engaging readers in this public space.

• Energetic self-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter.

• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.

• Ability to multitask and excel in a fast-paced environment under intense deadline pressure.

• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.

• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills and knowledge of AP style.

• Familiarity with using audience metrics to guide coverage.

• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.

• Fluency in Spanish a plus.

HOW TO APPLY:

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume - one to two pages.

2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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