Food and Dining Reporter

NorthJersey.com and The Record, part of the USA Today Network, is looking for a dining reporter with a sophisticated palate and exemplary writing skills to tell stories about restaurants, food-focused retail stores and businesses, trends and people who are part of the food scene in North Jersey.

The successful candidate must have the experience to speak with authority about food — both high end and low-end. He/she/they must have the pulse of the national and NYC-area food scene, and have the confidence to lead our readers to the best local restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars — and to tell them what up-and-coming chefs and spots to watch for.

Daily emphasis will be on mobile-friendly content that is relevant and compelling to local residents and will keep our audience coming back. The reporter will balance that with high-level journalism and projects that deliver rich insights.

We seek a passionate, focused and curious reporter and nimble storyteller willing to jump on trends but also engage audiences in the stories and issues behind the food brought to their tables. We will expect breaking news, deep-dive profiles, trend pieces, long-term enterprise, compelling multimedia assets and social engagement.

Most important, the reporter will be expected to build relationships with members of diverse communities to deliver of food and dining stories that reflect the entirety of our population.

The reporter will cultivate an engaging, active and inclusive social-media presence, including Instagram and TikTok. The reporter will coordinate with our visuals team but should have basic photo and video skills, and must be comfortable appearing on video, and at personal appearances at food-related events.

Our top candidates will be creative thinkers who can bring their own ideas for dining journalism, based on their knowledge of the market and our audience.

This is not a role for an “influencer.” Our dining reporter must know how to report and write, as demonstrated by published work, in a newspaper, magazine or online site.

Occasional weekend and evening hours are required. Must have a positive, collaborative attitude; be flexible and willing to pivot as news demands. This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

• Strong writing skills and a command of grammar and style.
• Curiosity about everything to do with the food and dining scene
• Experience with social media as a tool to build audience and as a source for beat development.
• Experience with and interest in multimedia, including video and podcasting.
• A self-starter who owns the beat yet works collaboratively with others locally and regionally to meet common goals.
• A journalist committed to values of fairness, diversity, inclusion and professionalism.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Seven to 10 years of experience as a reporter/writer.
• Proven experience with content management systems and social media channels.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Driver’s license and a car.

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.

Please include:

• Your resume - one to two pages
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job
• 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.

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