Dining, Retail and Culture Reporter

|Current USA TODAY Co. Employees- Please ensure you are using our abbreviated process on the internal Careers site by logging into Dayforce through MyApps| 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, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. To connect with us, visit The Fayetteville Observer/fayobserver.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a curious and passionate storyteller to cover dining, retail and culture for the residents of Cumberland County, North Carolina, with a strong focus on storytelling and community connection. This reporter will find and tell compelling stories that explore how dining, retail and culture intersect with community identity, history and change in Fayetteville and surrounding communities. The role centers on rich storytelling and meaningful community engagement, reflecting the voices and experiences of longtime residents and newcomers alike. The Dining, Retail and Culture Reporter will produce compelling stories about restaurants, retail businesses, dining trends and the people who shape Fayetteville's food and retail culture. Coverage may also extend to Fayetteville's entertainment scene, highlighting how creative spaces and events reflect the city's diversity, history and shared experiences. The role includes coverage of breaking news and emerging trends tied to restaurant and business development, including the opening and closing of high-interest local businesses as well as regional and national chains. The reporter balances quick-hit news with enterprise and trend reporting, helping readers understand how Fayetteville is growing and changing through its food, retail and cultural landscape. Equity and inclusion are central to our reporting. This reporter will be expected to build relationships with members of diverse communities. Reporting should be people-centered and include narrative storytelling that delivers depth, context and insight. This position requires a Tuesday through Saturday workweek, reflecting the volume of news and community activity that occurs on Saturdays. The Fayetteville Observer, the oldest daily newspaper in North Carolina, serves the Sandhills region of the state. Fayetteville, the county seat of Cumberland County, has experienced significant growth and development in recent years and is home to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military installations in the world. The city is known for its rich history, evolving food scene and wide range of cultural events that reflect its diverse population. Responsibilities: Creates storytelling that accurately informs and engages specific audiences. Work toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise. Write both quick-turn stories on news of the day as well as more in-depth enterprise stories. Plans and executes engagement opportunities to reach audiences through content, community events and social media. Connects with the community through outreach and engagement (social media, forums, community leadership, etc.). Collaborates with content team to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Produces basic photos and video as needed Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institution Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions. Requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 1+ years of professional experience; strong college work will be considered. Demonstrated ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, contribute and excel under pressure. Strong command of AP grammar and style. Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready." Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms. Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories. Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism. Understands reporting ethics and sourcing. Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission. Works weekends and nights as needed. Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories. This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law. Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & urinalysis drug screen (for driving roles only). We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order: Your resume - one to two pages. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role. These items must be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration. #Newsgnt #LI-CB1 USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee's race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals' application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at . Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.

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