Columbia Food & Entertainment Reporter

The Post and Courier Columbia is looking for a Food and Entertainment reporter to contribute to our award-winning coverage of food, arts and culture in Columbia, SC.

Covering one the most popular beats in the market, the Food & Entertainment Reporter would cover the food and beverage scene with a mix of trending stories, features and profiles that showcase the region’s restaurants, industry professionals and the issues impacting these businesses.

We’re looking for a reporter who will develop relationships and seek the story behind the headline, delving into the complexities of what it takes to own, operate and regulate bars and restaurants in South Carolina.

The reporter will also be responsible for occasional arts and culture-related stories, whether it be a concert preview or an accountability feature on the need for diversity in the arts. While this beat is competitive, we need a reporter who can not only tackle quick-turn coverage, but take the time to find stories that lean on our mission of accountability and explanation.

Columbia, SC, is the state’s capital and home to its biggest public university. There is also a thriving arts scene. The confluence of politics, education and the arts creates fertile ground for stories that don’t just let readers know what dishes to try or shows to catch, but the deeper cultural meaning of the arts and food scenes to the broader Columbia community.

The Post and Courier, a Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper, values in-depth storytelling, innovative reporting approaches and a commitment to accountability. The Free Times, the arts & culture section of The Post & Courier Columbia, is a tentpole publication in Columbia that frequently hosts events and puts together special sections, both of which this reporter would be expected to pitch in on.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Become immersed in the food and entertainment scene of Columbia and surrounding areas to tell captivating, entertaining and impactful stories.
• Produce story ideas from the assigned beat or from conversations with sources and other members of the community.
• Effectively use social media to engage the community.
• Develop and maintain photo and digital skills.
• Produce work that is accurate in fact, tone and implication. Understands libel law and the rules governing plagiarism.
• Effectively learn and use all job technology and systems.
• Learn and follow all department and company policies and procedures.
• Meet all assigned deadlines.
• Develop a list of knowledgeable, diverse sources.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements, minimum education level, and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications or English preferred
• Experience in AP style writing
• Flexibility to adjust hours to cover breaking news or weekend and evening events
• Valid driver's license, good driving record, reliable and insured vehicle
• Reliable access to internet service

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong writing and editing in AP style skills
• Excellent social media skills
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Good customer relation skills with the ability to easily and professionally speak and work with readers and the public daily
• Ability to react quickly to breaking news
• Ability to prioritize workload and self-manage projects, handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines
• Knowledge of the community and surrounding cities a plus
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced ever-evolving industry and workplace
• Strong, professional work ethic
• Ability to work independently remotely, if necessary, in a suitable workspace that meets safety guidelines

Physical Requirements, Work Environment and Travel:

Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; close eye work on computer screen; required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, bend and stoop; light to moderate lifting 15-30 pounds.

The worker is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes, and is sometimes subject to adverse outside environmental conditions.

Local travel is required.

The Post and Courier is an equal opportunity, drug-free workplace.