Food & Dining Reporter

The Herald-Journal in Spartanburg, S.C., seeks a dynamic reporter to create stories about food and dining in a growing Spartanburg County. We need a great storyteller who can produce several stories a week, from quick-turn food trending articles to chef and restaurant profiles. The successful candidate will need a strong social media presence and the ability to quickly turn around breaking news while juggling daily stories. The reporter will also pitch in with local news general assignments.

This focused and curious multimedia reporter will have a passion for food and digital journalism, be able to produce compelling multimedia assets for social engagement and have strong SEO skills.

The reporter will cultivate an engaging, active, and inclusive social media presence and will be responsible for the tone, tenor, and content mix of our branded social media accounts. The reporter will coordinate with our visuals team but photo and video skills are pluses. The reporter should be comfortable appearing on video, and at personal appearances.

Occasional weekend and evening hours are required. Must have a positive, collaborative attitude; be flexible and willing to pivot as news demands.

DUTIES:

• Creates food and dining content (articles, videos, photos and social media posts) about Spartanburg that accurately informs, entertains and engages key audiences and platforms through the use of metrics
• Works with editors and analysts to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborates with visuals and production team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Captures photos and video as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strong writing skills and a command of grammar and style.
• Strong social media skills. The successful candidate uses social to build audience and as a source for beat development, and can create engaging posts and reels. Experience with or the ability to master Canva is a must.
• A self-starter who owns the beat yet works collaboratively with others to meet common goals.
• A journalist committed to values of fairness, diversity, inclusion and professionalism.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• One to two years of experience as a reporter/writer.
• Proven experience with content management systems and social media channels.
• Good time management and organizational skills.

1. Your resume - one to two pages
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job
3. Links to 3-5 online samples of your work. Show us what you've written, produced, or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do.