Silicon Valley Biz Journal seeks economic development reporter

The Silicon Valley Business Journal is looking for an ambitious and tenacious reporter to cover economic development in one of the nation’s most dynamic business markets

The economic development beat is the essence of Business Journal reporting. It requires building — and working — strong source networks to break big news, dig out trends and connect dots before anyone else does.

The beat involves covering the intersection of business and public policy. The ideal candidate will be able to report and write authoritatively about the issues in that sphere that matter most to Silicon Valley companies, entrepreneurs and the employees they’re trying to attract and retain. These include housing; traffic and transportation; public health; government investment, regulations and business incentives; civic improvement projects; and higher education.

Also key to this beat are the people who will be your sources and story subjects: leaders of business advocacy groups, small business advocates, labor organizations, elected officials and political hopefuls, economic development professionals and, of course, business executives who have a vested interest in what’s happening.

We need someone 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. Whether writing for our newspaper or our digital publications, this reporter will write stories that offer perspective and context for our influential and growing audience of business owners, executives and professionals across 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 digital and print publications. 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 the impact and accessibility of their stories; and meet or exceed goals related to audience engagement. Also, scoops matter. A lot.

Skills 

• Desire and ability to break news and to identify newsworthy events and sources

• Strong analytical and investigative reporting skills chops

• 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 break news and get exclusive stories.

• Ability to shoot photos and videos, speak to groups and moderate relevant events, and serve as a commentator for radio or television are helpful.

Experience 

• Minimum of 3-5 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.

• Experience covering Silicon Valley a plus.

Education 

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or equivalent work experience

To apply, email a resume, cover letter and links to clips that best show enterprise and scoops reporting to Managing Editor Troy Wolverton, twolverton@bizjournals.com