The Austin American-Statesman/statesman.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a Dining/Entertainment Trending Reporter to join an award-winning team covering lifestyle and entertainment stories in one of the fastest growing regions in the country.
The position will be focused on trending lifestyle and entertainment stories with an emphasis on dining, bars/breweries/wineries and nightlife.
This reporter will work closely with restaurant writer Matthew Odam and Austin360 editor Deborah Sengupta Stith to cover openings, closings, trends, events, personalities and more on the vibrant and ever-changing Austin dining and culture scene. Coverage will include Austin's tentpole events, South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and other events as needed.
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The right candidate will have a proven track record of coming up with story ideas and be open to collaboration. The candidate must be able to pivot immediately to trending coverage with quickness and accuracy. This writer will help shape coverage, which will include how growth and demographic changes are affecting existing communities.
We're looking for a storyteller who has experience leveraging social media to meet and engage diverse communities but who also can walk alongside those communities to find the stories and build trust.
Responsibilities:
- Creates coverage that accurately informs, engages, and entertains specific audiences and platforms using metrics.
- Able to tell stories through multiple social media platforms, specifically IG Reels, TikTok.
- Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.
- Serve as a public ambassador for our brand through connecting with the community via social media, on camera, in forums, community leadership, etc.
- Works with content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
- Collaborates with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.
- Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
- Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master's in video, photography, communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 2 years' experience in coming up with culture and lifestyle story ideas, with strong writing and reporting skills.
- Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
- Experience developing following around personal journalism through use of social media.
- Strong command of AP grammar and style.
- Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
- Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
- Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
- Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
- Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
- Works weekends and nights as needed.
- Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
- Ability to fluently speak Spanish is a plus.
- This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Application Instructions
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:
- Your resume - one to two pages.
- A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
- 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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