Food Reporter

The Baltimore Banner is currently seeking a Food Reporter to join our Arts & Culture department.

As part of a small team responsible for covering Baltimore City, county, and beyond, you will play a crucial role in delivering news and addressing concerns related to the local food scene. We are seeking a candidate who is highly knowledgeable about all aspects of food in the region.

You will report on trends shaping the local dining scene, analyze the implications of restaurant space developments within a broader context, and investigate worker relations in the local food industry. From daily news stories about restaurant mergers to reported features on the closure of Baltimore eateries, money-saving tips from chefs, and uncovering hidden culinary gems in neighborhoods, your writing will cover a diverse range of topics. We expect you to possess excellent news judgment, strong reporting and writing skills, as well as experience covering stories within the food industry.

As a mission-driven organization focused on improving the community through local news, we expect all candidates to genuinely believe in this mission and work collaboratively as part of a team. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive newsroom with a positive morale and culture.
Responsibilities:

Pitch, report, and write in-depth food-related features that go beyond highlighting popular food spots to address challenges faced by various food-related industries in the Baltimore area.
Develop a keen sense for newsworthy stories in the dining industry, including food shortages, accessibility of new restaurants, and issues faced by food workers.
Contribute to daily coverage, enterprise stories, long-term projects, and support our weekly newsletter, The Dish.
Cultivate a strong network of sources in the beat, including restaurateurs, developers, local shop owners, and chefs, to generate scoops and intriguing story ideas.
Represent The Banner in the community as needed, including potential television or radio appearances.
Utilize and comprehend newsroom analytics to refine coverage and meet readers' needs.

Requirements:

Minimum of 3 years of experience in journalism.
Proven track record of excellent and accurate reporting.
Ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and precision.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Strong proficiency in using social media to enhance reporting, promote stories, and stay connected with readers' discussions.
Enthusiasm for news and content that resonates with readers.
Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to collaborate with colleagues.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, as dictated by news demands.
Dedication to upholding journalistic values and ethics.
Knowledge of arts and culture coverage from other publications is a plus.