Atlanta paper looking for new commercial real estate reporter

Matt Kempner, the business editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, sent to Talking Biz News a job description for a new commercial real estate reporter:

Responsible for covering business – particularly commercial real estate and economic development – in a metro area that has been one of the fastest growing in the nation but now struggles with the downturn. The terrain is rich with new buildings, stalled projects and, now, foreclosures. We’re interested in the characters behind the projects: Developers who made big bets. Land speculators who gambled too far. Building investors and managers trying to cope with the fall-off. Investors looking for salvation and deals. The beat includes office, industrial and some retail real estate. Also part of the coverage: economic development, as in big new projects that bring jobs as well as business departures that take jobs away.

Particular value is put on breaking important news, pursuing watchdog pieces and unveiling intriguing trends. We are seeking an aggressive reporter. Keen knowledge about the real estate industry and its players is a plus. Ability to jump quickly into the beat is a must. The goal is to write with a focus on business and general readers, not solely real estate industry insiders.

Candidates must demonstrate a highly developed capacity to use various Web resources as reporting tools. Source development also is key. Reporters are expected to break news often for ajc.com while turning well-reported 1A and Sunday pieces as well as dailies.

Five years of professional newspaper or news organization experience required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Salary Range: $49,864-$79,264

Deadline to apply: 12/12/2011.

Email resume and 3-5 work samples or links to ajcnewsroomjobs@ajc.com. Put “Business Reporter” in the subject line.