Digital-First Food & Dining Reporter/Editor

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Savannah Morning News, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an ambitious, digitally savvy Food & Dining Reporter/Editor to lead coverage of one of the South’s most dynamic culinary scenes. You will report, write, edit and publish stories across our digital platforms, including video and social media, with a focus on timely, engaging local food content.

The role requires strong reporting and editing skills, knowledge of SEO and analytics, and the ability to develop sources, manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years newsroom experience.
• Facility with AI and automation to enhance journalism.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing and publication-ready writing.
• Active use of social platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat) for reporting and promotion.
• Strong reporting, writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience creating digital-first content, including video and social storytelling.
• Understanding of analytics, SEO and engagement strategies.
• Ability to work independently, develop sources and meet deadlines.
• Weekend/night coverage during major breaking news.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Lead food and dining coverage across digital, video, social, and newsletter platforms.
• Serve as content editor in the newsroom.
• Report and write breaking news, features, profiles, trend stories, reviews and enterprise pieces on restaurants and dining.
• Create high-performing service journalism (restaurant guides, rankings, dining recommendations, best-of lists).
• Develop video content showcasing restaurants and local food traditions.
• Build and maintain relationships with chefs, owners and industry leaders.
• Identify dining trends and translate into engaging content for the audience.
• Edit and package stories for maximum digital engagement, visibility and distribution.
• Collaborate with visual journalists and audience teams to grow readership and subscriptions.

Skills

News reporting

Editing

Storytelling

SEO & analytics

Social media

Sources development

Video storytelling

Deadline management

AI & automation usage

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in communications/journalism

Tools

AI tools

Job description

The Savannah Morning News, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an ambitious, digitally savvy Food & Dining Reporter/Editor to lead coverage of one of the South’s most dynamic culinary scenes. You will report, write, edit and publish stories across our digital platforms, including video and social media, with a focus on timely, engaging local food content.

The role requires strong reporting and editing skills, knowledge of SEO and analytics, and the ability to develop sources, manage