The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) is one of the most storied brands in journalism, with a legacy that stretches over a century. Our mission is to be the most essential and engaging source of news for the people of Atlanta, Georgia, and the South, and our vision is to transform this great institution into a modern media company.
That’s where you come in.
As the largest and most influential local news organization in Georgia-and a regional leader in politics, business, and culture-the AJC is seeking an experienced Business Reporter, Consumer Brands to cover some of the Peach State’s best-known brands, including Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, Waffle House, Home Depot, and other major companies in the food, beverage, retail, and housing sectors. This role requires a balance of daily beat coverage, insightful enterprise stories, and breaking news reports to illuminate key economic and labor trends for our readers.
Beat Overview
Georgia hosts globally recognized food, drink, and retail giants such as Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, Arby’s (Inspire Brands), Waffle House, Sweetwater Brewing, Zaxby’s, and a growing number of craft breweries and distilleries. The metro Atlanta area is also home to Home Depot, one of the region’s largest employers and a major economic bellwether. Covering this beat involves tracking important corporate strategies, local and global market shifts, consumer trends, and sustainability initiatives, while collaborating with newsroom colleagues on broader issues such as environmental impacts.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide daily beat coverage and enterprise reporting on leading Georgia-based companies.
- Break news, deliver timely scoops, and analyze strategic developments within these influential businesses.
- Identify and communicate key economic and labor trends through clear, insightful storytelling for both consumer and business audiences.
- Collaborate effectively with other reporters, including environmental and climate colleagues, to cover corporate sustainability goals and impacts.
- Report on how federal and state policies, tariffs, and regulatory changes affect these major players and, by extension, our readers.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree and at least 4+ years of professional journalism experience, or Master’s degree with 2+ years, or at least 8 years of relevant experience without a degree.
- Strong record of producing authoritative, reader-focused coverage with minimal supervision.
- Proven ability to balance breaking news with smart enterprise and accountability journalism.
- Excellent news judgment, source development, and clear, compelling writing.
- Proficiency in research and data analysis, including public records and digital tools.
- Comfort with using metrics/audience analytics to inform coverage.
- Collaborative spirit-must be able to work effectively across the newsroom.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in multimedia journalism, including audio, video, podcasting, or newsletters.
- Fluency in languages other than English is beneficial but not required.
Additional Requirements
- Permanent residence in metro Atlanta required; this role operates in a hybrid capacity with some in-office presence.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary as news events dictate.
- Reliable home internet service is required.
- Local travel expected; a reliable personal vehicle is needed for coverage.
The responsibilities above describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. We look forward to your application and the opportunity to grow our impactful journalism team together!
Compensation
Compensation includes a base salary of $72,200.00 – $108,200.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.
To apply, go here.
