South Florida is a mecca for tourists, from the beaches and clubs on South Beach to the street art of Wynwood and the Port of Miami, the busiest cruise port in the world. Those visitors have turned the hospitality industry into a huge economic driver in the region.
The Miami Herald, one of America’s great metro newsrooms, is looking for a creative, driven reporter to take on this high-profile, audience-focused beat. We want someone who is passionate about being first to report news and committed to digging into trends in cruising, air travel, hotels and attractions for readers in Miami-Dade.
The potential stories are endless. The largest cruise lines in the world have their home offices here. We are the travel hub to Latin America. Our premiere hotels — the Fontainebleau, Faena House — are household words in the world of luxury.
Yet underneath the glitter are stark disparities between the people who play here and those who work to make their visits all they imagine. The tourism reporter will capture all of that through thoughtful and incisive reporting that makes an impact.
You’ll break news related to local companies and local interests, with an emphasis on stories that affect consumers. That requires a deep connection to sources as well as monitoring digital tools such as social media and Google alerts to stay on top of developments. We publish quickly when news breaks to give our journalism the best chance of being seen by readers when it matters most.
The ability to develop sources within and outside major companies is essential. You’ll use those sources as well as analysis of data and government reports and interviews with real people to identify and dive into trends that directly affect local workers and employers. We’re looking for stories that go beyond the predictable.
The beat requires a demonstrated commitment to fairness and accuracy, in fact and in tone, and a strong grounding in journalism ethics. You’ll also need the desire and skill to reach audiences with your work. We can’t have impact without readership.
The successful candidate must show competency with analyzing data and working with social media tools like CrowdTangle in prospecting for stories. Essential qualities include flexibility and a demonstrated commitment to constantly adapting to the ever-evolving ways in which readers seek out and interact with journalism.
Your work must reflect the needs of an ever-growing and increasingly diverse audience of readers, viewers and listeners in South Florida. If you want to work with an award-winning team, love a good story and are on a mission to make a difference, please apply and include a cover letter, resume and samples of your work.
Qualifications/requirements
- At least 5 years of writing experience in a news organization.
- Pluses include a portfolio of strong business coverage on a range of topics including transportation and local/national economy, familiarity with the region, personal or professional travel and/or cruise experience, data-reporting skills and Spanish-language skills.
- Strong writing and reporting skills and excellent news judgment
- Unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism
- Demonstrated ability to use social media platforms and digital tools to find story ideas and reach audiences.
- Fluency in the science of readership and engagement, including an understanding of how to use analytics.
- A demonstrated ability to tell stories using a variety of tools and platforms, including photos and video.
- A demonstrated ability to learn new skills and technologies, including emerging storytelling tools and platforms.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to take and give constructive criticism.
- A collaborative approach and ability to coordinate and work effectively with other newsroom journalists.
- Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a job that will be fast-paced, data-driven, shaped constantly by feedback and experimentation and always evolving.
- Reliable transportation.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Vehicle insurance required (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).
To apply, go here.
