The Silicon Valley Business Journal is looking for a technology 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.
Specifically, this reporter will cover Silicon Valley’s dominant industry, primarily focused on the region’s largest public companies. The focus of this beat is broad: the reporter will cover these companies as major employers, so hiring, retention and layoffs are significant topics; as innovation engines, so their development and implementation of AI, cloud computing, autonomous tech and more are important; and as corporate entities, so acquisitions, strategic plans and reorganizations are key. The reporter will produce everything from scoops to sophisticated analysis of the issues that affect the industry, to savvy, important coverage of the executives, ideas and characters who make it grow.
Here’s what this beat is not: it’s not about covering the latest products to come from Apple, Google or Facebook. It’s not about following the same coverage path as most other news outlets. And it’s not about skimming the surface.
The ideal candidate 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, he or she produces content that is accompanied by perspective and context for a vibrant audience of business owners, executives and professionals in the region.
Duties
A Business Journal reporter is competitive, collaborative and curious. 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, our reporters are expected to own every important story on their beats; 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 3-5 years of journalism experience.
•Proven experience building and maintaining a strong source base.
•Proven experience building, maintaining and engaging an active audience.
•Knowledge of business principles essential.
•Understanding of and experience covering public technology companies a plus.
•Silicon Valley community experience a plus.
Education
B.A. journalism or equivalent work experience
To apply, email a resume, snappy 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
