Retail Education Editor

The Packer, the leading publication in the fresh produce industry, and its parent company Farm Journal are seeking an editor. This editor will be a key contributor to the weekly news and content of The Packer print and online news platforms and will spearhead content creation for the Produce Market Guide, a leading news and information/education/industry resource for produce retail professionals.

The retail education editor will be charged with creating compelling and informative digital content for The Packer’s twice-daily newsletters and Produce Market Guide’s weekly newsletters, with the goal of driving traffic and increasing open rates. This role also requires fresh produce industry coverage for The Packer’s twice-monthly print publication, Produce Market Guide’s six print editions each year, and supplemental, category-specific magazines.

The ideal candidate should also be experienced in fulfilling other content types such as video, webinars, podcasts, social media, in-person events and live interviews. An editor with a strong grasp of social media and the ability to promote The Packer and Produce Market Guide’s content through a variety of platforms is also preferred.

The Packer is a fast-paced news outlet. The ideal candidate will generate story ideas and file content on a daily basis, while simultaneously developing more in-depth pieces — with longer lead times — for print and digital. Additionally, this role is expected to cultivate news sources and become knowledgeable on the issues facing the produce retail industry. The candidate should also be prepared to dive into industry events and build relationships with fresh produce retailers and industry players across the country.

The Packer’s retail education editor has the industry knowledge to put stories into bigger picture perspective for our retail audience; the curiosity to dig deeper into a news story; and the ability to analyze and interpret what that news means to the fresh produce industry. This editor is skilled at turning breaking-news copy quickly, as well as exploring a specific topic for in-depth reporting or analysis. The position also has a responsibility to The Packer team and is expected to participate in daily meetings to discuss and collaborate on daily digital news and print stories.

Skills/Professional Experience

This editorial position requires a strong, efficient and deadline-driven writer. Knowledge of the fresh produce industry, grocery business and trade press is preferred. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a solid work ethic.

Additional qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following:

A bachelor’s or advanced degree in journalism/communications.
A minimum of five to 10 years of editorial experience working in a news environment.
The candidate should be a self-starter who excels at story ideation with a focus on produce retail specifically, and the industry at large.
The candidate should feel comfortable working with retailers, wholesalers and distributors, as well as visiting farms and growers.
The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel on short day trips, in addition to longer trips by plane for events and other coverage, such as industry conventions.