Austin Biz Journal seeks retail and restaurants reporter

The Austin Business Journal seeks a staff writer to cover retail, restaurants and food/beverage startups in one of the hottest economies in the country.

This new beat at the ABJ is expected to provide forward-looking business intelligence to savvy readers who will use it to grow their businesses and/or advance their careers. Our content gives them a leg up on their competitors, connects them with decision-makers and delineates growth strategies that work from those that don’t. This beat will thrive on finding news that is of value to shopkeepers, landlords, real estate brokers plus a bevy of restaurants, night clubs and entertainment venues in Austin. Covering CPG startups such as Mighty Swell Seltzer will require candidates to be prepared to be in tune with Austin’s vibrant startup scene.

The ideal candidate will blend traditional journalism skills — source building, sharp news judgment, interviewing prowess and scoop-driven reporting – with online and social media know-how. Reporters in our newsroom don’t just turn in copy. They include videos, slideshows and other multimedia components that advance the story and further engage our audience. They break hard news that sometimes sources don’t want brought to light, but they don’t burn bridges. The reporter hired for this beat will cater to an audience of business owners and professionals — not consumers.

Job Duties

• Report and write short-form and long-form stories for the website and weekly print edition.

• Own the beat, dictating day-to-day coverage and thriving on digging out source-driven exclusives.

• Relentlessly develop sources and manage relationships with high-level executives and other community leaders.

• Scoop competitors on every story of any significance, not only telling them what happened, but why and how.

Experience Desired

Track record in the news business of building, maintaining and engaging an audience in print and online. Social media mavens held in high regard.

Austin Business Journal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable city, state or federal law.

To apply, send clips, a resume and a cover letter on how you’d cover the beat to Beth Hunt, director of editorial recruiting and development, at bzhunt@bizjournals.com.