Memphis Biz Journal seeks tourism/hospitality reporter

Memphis 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 our influential and growing audience of business owners, executives and professionals in Memphis and across the region.

Specifically, this reporter will cover the industries that make Memphis Memphis: Tourism, hospitality and restaurants. The ideal candidate is an extravert with a strong drive to pull back the curtain on the inner workings that make these industries tick. That includes scoops and exclusives on entrepreneurial food and hospitality ventures, the increasing sophistication of the region’s restaurant scene, comings and goings of chefs, hoteliers and other hospitality industry talent, and the significant impact tourism and hospitality have on our region’s economic development efforts.

Duties

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 1-3 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.
** Memphis community experience a plus.

Education

B.A. 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