Food, Drink and Things to do Reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences.

About the role

The Register-Guard/registerguard.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a reporter to cover food, drink, and things to do in Eugene, Oregon. You will create food and drink content that informs our audience of breaking news, restaurant openings and closings, and trends in Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County through stories and social videos. You will also cover major events in the area. The region offers a diverse culinary scene, a major hub for farming and wineries, and is a travel destination for college sports fans, track-and-field aficionados, and those looking to experience Eugene-Springfield's unique culture.

The reporter will balance quick-hit stories with features and enterprise that pull back the curtain on the local dining and events scenes. You'll write profiles of chefs and bartenders and take deep dives into the evolving food scene. You will look for ways to constantly grow and interact with our audience, including through polls on dining topics and social media.

Eugene is nestled between the Oregon Coast and Cascade Mountain range in the mid-Willamette Valley and is home to the University of Oregon. The city has a spirit of entrepreneurship, a plethora of food trucks, a creative vibe, and a growing population. This position is represented by the Eugene Newspaper Guild.

Responsibilities

• Produce food and drink content through videos, photo galleries, and stories on breaking news, restaurant openings and closings, and trends.
• Create interactive content, such as reader polls, to grow the food and drink audience.
• Report features and enterprise on the local dining scene.
• Engage with the audience and share work across social media.
• Use metrics and analytics to grow audience, engagement, and digital subscriptions.
• Produce video and images in coordination with the visual team for events, daily stories, and breaking news.
• Work extended hours when necessary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as news happens.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to two years of experience in journalism with a strong foundation in news writing and reporting and ability to shoot and edit videos and stills.
• Passion and enthusiasm for producing food and drink content.
• Mastery of SEO and social media and using it to promote your work and interact with readers.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, sources, and the community.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.