Billboard: Staff Writer, Latin/Pop

Penske Media • Los Angeles, CA

5d • $72,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Billboard, the leading entertainment brand covering music globally is searching for a bilingual staff writer fluent in English and Spanish. Our candidate has a demonstrable passion and deep knowledgeable of all genres of Latin music as well as mainstream pop and pop culture. They must also have an insatiable appetite for discovery and be up to any task, from writing a news story in minutes to hosting a red carpet to capturing social media content. This position can be based in either Los Angeles or Miami and will work west coast hours. Our staff writer is a journalist who has worked in a fast-paced newsroom for a minimum of one year, can work quickly under pressure, and feels comfortable in a multi-media environment. High productivity is expected as is understanding that the music business does not sleep. After-hours and weekend coverage is expected and required for this avid fan and consumer of music who has their finger on the pulse of all things Latin and pop and who will be working shoulder to shoulder with equally motivated individuals. Video and social media creation is also expected. Our candidate must be bilingual (English/Spanish), must be able to work equally well in both languages and must be able to translate from one language to the other as needed. On camera experience and ability to produce short form content is a plus. They will report to the Deputy Editor for Billboard Español and the editors of Billboard.com. As Billboard values in-person collaboration and team cohesion, employees work onsite 4 days a week and 1 day remotely with a focus on maintaining a vibrant and inclusive culture.

Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years of music reporting experience.
• Candidates without written reporting experience in a newsroom will not be considered.
• A fully bilingual journalist who lives comfortably in between the two worlds: mainstream and Latino-centric; Spanish and English.
• Impeccable spoken and written Spanish and English are a must.
• A writing and edit test will be administered.
• AI use is only permitted for research. It is NOT permitted in day-to-day writing, either in the writing test or in any writing on the job.
• Fast, clear writer, passionate about trends, charts and breaking news.
• Multiple stories a day are expected.
• Possess a roll-up-your-sleeves, scrappy mentality and exhibit the adaptability and resourcefulness of someone who wants to win.
• Ability to work across mediums and formats: While this is a writing first position, our candidate will be expected to be on camera, interview artists on video and audio and be active on social media, including Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
• Passion and understanding of the Billboard brand and mission of delivering high-quality consumer and business news.
• Passionate and knowledgeable about music and music business in general and Latin music in particular, with keen interest in all genres of Latin music.
• A multi-tasker and collaborator for whom no job is too big or too small, who can work with many teams across many departments.
• Fascinated by the business of music, including the players and the money driving it behind the scenes.
• Flexibility with work hours that will likely involve time outside the 9-to-5 weekday hours.
• Off-shift work and work during weekends and after hours is expected and required.

Nice To Haves

• On camera experience and ability to produce short form content is a plus.
• Video experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Daily coverage of all aspects and genres of Latin music as well as pop or pop culture stories.
• Coverage includes Latin and mainstream music news, including interviews and industry stories, for Billboard.com and Billboardespanol.com.
• Productivity averages between 3-5 stories per day at a minimum, plus translating stories from English to Spanish.
• Translate copy primarily from English to Spanish but also Spanish to English.
• Work daily with Billboard Español and Billboard copy and editorial staff to ensure all published stories meet Billboard’s exacting editorial standards.
• Work and collaborate with all verticals and departments in Billboard, notably the Billboard.com team.
• Work closely with Billboard’s video production and social media teams to cross-pollinate content and create original content as needed.

Benefits

• PMC-Paid Healthcare with no employee paycheck contributions on medical, dental, and vision for you and your family.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with an Employer match
• Company discounts and perks including Pet Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance, Mortgage discounts, and a variety of other savings on wellness, lifestyle, and financial essentials.
• Flexible Vacation Policy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree