RGJ Food & Drink Reporter
The Reno Gazette Journal/RGJ.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a reporter to cover Northern Nevada's vibrant and diverse food and drink scene.
Possible topics for coverage include breaking news stories that affect what and where people eat, the personalities behind the local food scene, health and safety issues, trends and other consumer news.
This beat will have a significant business element, so previous reporting experience is required; business reporting is a plus but not a disqualifier if you don't.
We are looking for a candidate who is creative, self-driven and proactive in generating story ideas, an engaging storyteller who writes with personality, is good at source building and outreach into the community, and comfortable with being in the public eye as events are a possibility. An ability to build contacts and coverage in diverse communities - reaching those who are not press- and publicity-savvy and are less likely to reach out to you - is also a requirement.
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Establishing and growing a social media presence is part of the job, as is the ability to produce photos and video with an iPhone. The beat topics will be informed and shaped by metrics, so being receptive to data-driven feedback and adaptability is a must.
This is not a job for food snobs - if readers are interested in the latest fast-food wars, hot dog stands or greasy spoons, that's as worthy of coverage as high-end dining. A strong sense of what people are talking about and interested in food-wise will stand you in good stead.
Please show work samples of well-sourced and well-written stories that informed, entertained and grew readership.
The Reno Gazette Journal is based in Reno, Nevada, a growing community at the interface of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin Desert with unlimited opportunities for outdoor adventures. A flourishing dining, bar and brewery scene provides ample fodder for an enterprising reporter.
Responsibilities:
- Creates storytelling that accurately informs and engages specific audiences and platforms.
- Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.
- Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
- Breaks news and develops sources to be first to the story.
- Work with editor to develop strategic approach to coverage area that maximizes community impact and reach.
- 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 degree in communications, journalism, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Two to five years of reporting experience.
- Work samples that demonstrate storytelling techniques on multiple platforms.
- Proven experience producing accurate reports under deadline pressure, in a style that resonates with mobile and social audiences.
- Proficiency on social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit.
- Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
- Ability to shoot basic photos and videos in a breaking news situation.
- Strong news judgement and ability to multitask.
- Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
- Must be able to work occasional night and weekend shifts as events require.
- 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 or online portfolio. 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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