The Tampa Bay Business Journal is looking for a reporter who can marry strong traditional journalism skills – source building, sharp news judgment, interviewing prowess, strong analytical and investigative reporting, clear writing, document use – with online and social media know-how. Whatever the platform, this reporter will produce content that is accompanied by perspective and context for a vibrant audience of business owners, executives, and professionals one of the nation’s fastest-growing areas.
While the exact specifics of the beat are under review, the region has seen strong growth in its banking and financial services sector, as well as public and private company growth, m&a and credit unions, which in turn is providing many source development and news opportunities.
Duties
A Business Journal reporter is competitive, collaborative and curious, driven to produce scoops about important business deals, companies and executives; sophisticated analysis of the issues that affect the industry he or she covers; and savvy, important coverage of the executives, ideas and characters who make up that industry.
He or she is expected to contribute both short- and long-form stories to our news products online, in email, on mobile, and in print. Specifically, reporters are expected to own every important story on their beat; use networking events, social media platforms and other community-building outlets to expand and fortify their source base and audience; work collaboratively with other newsroom staffers to maximize impact and accessibility of stories reported, and meet or exceed goals related to audience engagement. Also, scoops matter. A lot.
Skills
• Proven excellence in reporting and writing
• Desire and ability to break news and to identify newsworthy events and sources
• Strong analytical and investigative-interviewing skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to relate comfortably to a wide range of people, in person, on the phone and online
• A clear drive to develop sources and build audience
• Solid understanding of news writing, journalistic ethics, and story structure.
• Ability to leverage relationships with sources to deliver content that differentiates the organization from competitors.
• Multimedia skills, including video, photos, broadcast, on-camera, helpful.
Experience
• Minimum of 2-3 years of journalism experience.
• Proven experience building, maintaining and engaging an active audience.
• Proven experience building and maintaining a strong source base.
• Knowledge of business principles essential.
• Tampa Bay community experience a plus.
Education
Bachelor’s in journalism or equivalent work experience
To apply, email a resume, cover letter and links to clips that best show enterprise and scoops reporting to Beth Hunt, director of editorial recruiting and development, American City Business Journals, bzhunt@bizjournals.com
