Food, Drink and Things to do Reporter

USA Today • Eugene, OR

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Register-Guard/registerguard.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a reporter to cover food, drink and things to do in Eugene, Oregon. You will create food and drink content that informs our audience of breaking news, restaurant openings and closings and trends in Eugene, Springfield and Lane County through stories and social videos. You also will keep up with the biggest events that come to the area. The region offers a diverse culinary scene and is a major hub for farming and wineries. It is also a travel destination for college sports fans, international track-and-field aficionados and those looking to experience Eugene-Springfield's unique culture. The reporter will balance quick-hit stories with features and enterprise that pull back the curtain on the local dining and events scenes. You'll write profiles of chefs and bartenders and take deep dives into the evolving food scene in Eugene, Springfield and Lane County at large. You will look for ways to constantly grow and interact with our audience, including through polls on dining topics, and on social media. Eugene is nestled between the Oregon Coast and Cascade Mountain range in the mid-Willamette Valley and is home to the University of Oregon. The city has a spirit of entrepreneurship, a plethora of food trucks, a creative vibe and a growing population. This position is represented by the Eugene Newspaper Guild.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to two years of experience in journalism with a strong foundation in news writing and reporting and ability to shoot and edit videos and stills.
• Passion and enthusiasm for producing food and drink content.
• Mastery of SEO and social media and using it to promote your work and interact with readers.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, sources and the community.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Produce food and drink content through videos, photo galleries and stories on breaking news, restaurant openings and closings and trends.
• Create interactive content, such as reader polls, to grow food and drink audience.
• Report features and enterprise on the local dining scene.
• Engage with audience and share work across social media.
• Use metrics and analytics to grow audience, engagement and digital subscriptions.
• Produce video and images in coordination with visual team for events, daily stories and breaking news.
• Work extended hours when necessary, including evenings, weekends and holidays as news happens.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level