Zingerman’s Community of Businesses Special Beat Reporter

Zingerman's Service Network•Pittsfield Charter Township, MI

1h•$50,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (The ZCoB) is hiring someone who can take in the big picture of all the good work that happens in the organization every day, and then work to communicate that through writing and editing in ways that benefit customers, coworkers, the community, suppliers and the organization. The ZCoB creates. Constantly. Essays, weekly reflections, newsletters, leadership ideas, food stories, and pieces that help people think more clearly about how they eat, work, live, and lead. This role exists to help those stories come into the world well through easy to read, impactful writing that preserves the personalities from the ZCoB, and the brands of each of the businesses. The core of the work revolves around writing: creating written content that documents the ongoing goings-on around the ZCoB. (For context, other organizations may refer to this role as a copywriter, or written content creator.) A primary focus of this position is working closely with Zingerman’s co-founder Ari Weinzweig on Ari’s Top 5 email newsletter—editing weekly on a tight deadline to get to publication on time. And then after publication, working (alone and with the broader marketing team) to amplify the content so it reaches as many people as possible, clearly and consistently. Each week, you will work with Ari and the marketers to distribute the enews, both inside the ZCoB and out, in ways that increase engagement and size of audience. This is not a generic writing job. It’s a chance to be a thoughtful editorial partner to a prolific group of ZCoBbers, and to help steward one of Zingerman’s most important assets: meaningful ideas and philosophy shared with intention.

Requirements

Exceptional writing and editing skills
At least 2 years of professional writing or editorial experience
A strong portfolio of published work
Ability to edit thoughtfully, ensuring the original ideas and perspectives are preserved
Comfort editing work written in multiple voices (individual, brand, sub-brand) and preserve those voices
Strong organizational skills and follow-through
Proficiency with Google Workspace
Experience with WordPress and/or Mailchimp
Basic understanding of SEO and digital publishing
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
A service mindset toward co-workers and collaborators

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Zingerman’s and our businesses
Experience with food writing or food vocabulary
Comfort with project management tools like Toggl or ClickUp

Responsibilities

Supporting Ari’s (Zingerman’s Founding Partner) weekly enews/newsletter
Edit, proofread, and help refine Ari’s weekly writing—while preserving his voice
Help manage drafts, versions, and timing so writing flows smoothly from idea to publication
Support the placement and publishing of Ari’s Top 5 across: Email newsletters, Websites, Social media and digital channels
Editorial & Publishing Work
Research, edit, and proofread content for blogs, newsletters, websites, and social platforms
Write short- and long-form content when time and assignments allow
Ensure that the Zingerman’s Look and Feel is consistently communicated across all pieces
Ensure accuracy through fact checking, proofing, and generous communication in all directions
Write in alignment with the Zingerman’s Look and Feel, while taking into account particular preferences of the various Zingerman’s businesses.
Learning, Culture & Collaboration
Work directly with Ari and in collaboration with Zingerman’s Creative Services, Zingerman’s managing partners, marketers, and members of our extended community
Attend department and organization meetings as appropriate, especially but certainly not limited to, the regular ZCoB Huddle, the Creative Services huddle.
Learn continuously about: The food we make and bring to the world, The classes we teach, events we run and tours we lead , The history, values, and ideas behind Zingerman’s
Live and uphold Zingerman’s Guiding Principles and Recipes
Treat co-workers, customers, and our food with care and respect

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package, including a company contribution to medical (including a contribution towards your health savings account) and dental insurance
Paid Time Off
Short-term and long-term disability
Free access to our Employee Assistance (EAP) that provides a variety of resources and services to employees and eligible dependents
Paid training with the opportunity to learn and advance within the organization
Discounts at some local businesses
401K matching contribution
Staff Ownership opportunity through our Community Shares program
Post Orientation benefit of 40% off at all Zingerman’s Businesses
25% reimbursement for massages