Description

The Miami Herald is looking for an enterprising and innovative food writer with an understanding of Miami’s many different communities and what food means to them, how food can unite a diverse city and the ways Miami is growing as an international culinary destination. 

This is a vital beat at a news organization that aims high and has landed 23 Pulitzer Prizes. We’re just as serious about our food coverage, which has produced two James Beard awards.  

The ideal candidate is passionate about finding only-in-Miami stories, knows about our beloved institutions, loves to hunt down the best holes-in-the-wall and is truly interested in telling stories about places where locals actually dine. This journalist should be game to explore what’s new in Miami’s culinary scene, from high end to fast casual. 

This reporter should have exceptional writing skills and embrace creative storytelling, from reels to podcasts. You are not expected to write starred reviews, but you can explore Miami’s restaurants in new and creative ways, giving readers a window into Miami life that few other beats can offer. 

In this role you will need to: 

• Identify and report on trends in Miami’s dining scene, what’s new, what’s popular, what’s overrated

• Report on venues throughout South Florida that would be of interest to local audience, from the Florida Keys through Broward (openings, closings, hidden gems)

• Deliver feature stories that highlight unique aspects of Miami food culture and the people who make Miami a great food destination 

• Find hidden gems throughout Miami-Dade County

• Cover Miami’s restaurant scene with a focus on audience

• Openings/closings

• Chef profiles

• Obituaries of industry leaders 

• Focus on Michelin star restaurants 

• “Dine here” stories (no star reviews, just highlights) 

• Round ups, recommendations, guides 

• Host our La Ventanita podcast

• Assist the audience growth team with different kinds of content on reels and tik tok and other emerging platforms 

• Restaurant profiles

• Highlights from menus

• Chef interviews

The successful candidate should have many, though not necessarily all, of the following qualifications: 

• Strong reporting and writing skills and excellent news judgment

• The ability to develop a strong source network in a range of communities and institutions

• The ability to see and prioritize stories of greatest potential impact or audience

• The ability to post breaking news within minutes 

• Openness and enthusiasm to use alternative story formats, multimedia storytelling, and open-source, plug-and-play graphics tools

• Demonstrated ability to use social media and shoe leather to reach audiences

• Unwavering commitment to representing the diversity of our community in coverage

• Unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of personalities and teams

• Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a job that will be fast-paced, data-driven, and always evolving, shaped constantly by experimentation and feedback

Job Requirements

• A college degree or equivalent experience.

• Several years' reporting experience.

• This job is generally a weekday shift, with flexibility to work some weekends, evenings and holidays.

• Proficiency with AP style and a strong command of spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Understanding of and adherence to professional journalism standards for fair and accurate reporting.

• Must have reliable transportation. Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).

What we’ll bring

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options includes healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends. Our overall benefit package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals.

To apply, include a cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work.

About McClatchy

The Miami Herald is owned by the McClatchy company. Our impact is growing every day. 30 growing markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 56 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger. As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of a flexible, empowering, and exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth—a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways.

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