Tourism & Lifestyle Reporter (UNION)

USA TODAY Co.

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. The Providence Journal is seeking an energetic, audience-focused reporter to cover Rhode Island’s vibrant tourism, food and dining, and lifestyle scene. This journalist will help readers discover the people, places, trends and experiences that make Rhode Island unique, while producing compelling stories that drive engagement across digital, social and emerging platforms. From restaurant openings and chef profiles to travel trends, seasonal attractions, cultural experiences and hidden gems, this reporter will serve as a trusted guide to life in the Ocean State. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable writing a quick-turn story about a new restaurant as producing a deeply reported enterprise piece on the economic and cultural forces shaping Rhode Island’s tourism and hospitality industries. This is a digital-first position focused on serving audiences where they are — on our website, social media platforms, newsletters and video channels.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proven reporting, writing and interviewing skills.
• Strong command of AP style and journalism ethics.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a newsroom.
• Strong news judgment and curiosity about Rhode Island’s food, travel and cultural landscape.
• Experience using social media as a reporting and audience-development tool.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to shoot and edit short-form video for social and digital platforms.
• Ability to take publication-quality photographs in the field.
• Comfort appearing on camera for videos, social media content and live events.
• Experience creating visual storytelling elements that enhance audience engagement.

Responsibilities

• Cover Rhode Island’s tourism, food, dining, entertainment and lifestyle sectors with authority and creativity.
• Produce a mix of breaking news, service journalism, features, profiles, trend stories and enterprise reporting.
• Develop destination guides, restaurant lists, travel recommendations and seasonal content that helps readers get the most out of living in or visiting Rhode Island.
• Build relationships with chefs, restaurateurs, tourism leaders, business owners, event organizers and community members across the state.
• Create engaging social media content that extends the reach of stories and connects with audiences.
• Generate story ideas informed by audience needs, search trends and analytics.
• Contribute to newsletters and other audience-engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with editors, visual journalists and other reporters on major projects and statewide coverage.

What This Job Offers

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