Southern Tier Food, Dining & Culture Reporter

The dining and cooking experience in the Southern Tier of New York is central to life for local residents. From the unique offerings in our cities and villages, to spectacular settings along the southern Finger Lakes region and to iconic favorite recipes, the region showcases a blend of cuisines, culture and community.

The USA TODAY Network seeks a Regional Food, Drink & Culture reporter to share the story of our rich culinary history and present-day evolution, capturing the passion and pride long-term residents and new arrivals alike possess about their favorite culinary delights.

This position will encompass the dining scene from Allegany County to Delaware County in the Southern Tier, but will focus on the culture and industry in our larger villages and cities, including Binghamton, Corning, Elmira and Hornell. Our USA TODAY Network sites, including the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, Corning Leader, Elmira Star-Gazette, and Hornell Spectator, collaborate in a virtual newsroom. This position is remote but the reporter would be required to live in the reporting area and travel throughout the region at times.

Reporting should be people-centered, and narrative reporting that delivers rich insights is highly welcomed. A typical week might take this journalist from a decades-old pizza establishment in Hornell to the newest coffee shop in a historic building in Binghamton; from a profile of a newly arrived chef to an examination of how and why Caribbean-inspired menus are emerging in our communities. We seek a passionate, focused and curious multi-media reporter and nimble storyteller willing to jump on trends but also engage audiences in the stories and issues behind the food brought to their tables.

The successful candidate will prioritize opportunities to share stories of cultural expression through food and explore the racial and ethnic culinary traditions that foster the region’s vibrant food scene.

The ideal candidate will also produce almost-daily stories breaking important news to our readers, from the closing of a popular bar to why the health department shut down a chain restaurant. At times, the candidate will also be required to assist with news outside their general beat, including public safety topics.

An ideal candidate is someone capable of quickly establishing their voice and building a loyal following on a branded Instagram page devoted to local food and drink, X (Twitter) and Facebook. They will deliver a mix of breaking news, compelling profiles, trend pieces, long-term enterprise, compelling multimedia assets and social engagement.

The food, drink and culture reporter will work at times in partnership with USA TODAY food and features reporters throughout New York and the Atlantic region and sometimes beyond.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Strong writing skills and a command of grammar and style.
Experience with social media, including Instagram Stories, as a tool to build audience and as a source for beat development.
Experience with and interest in multimedia, including video and podcasting.
A self-starter who owns the beat yet works collaboratively with others locally and regionally to meet common goals.
A journalist committed to values of fairness, diversity, inclusion and professionalism.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

At least two years of applicable experience as a reporter/writer.
Proven experience with content management systems and social media channels.
Good time management and organizational skills.

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 written, produced, or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.