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

Job Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

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

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three or more years of newsroom experience.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Strong reporting, writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience creating digital-first content, including video and social media storytelling.
• Understanding of audience analytics, SEO, and engagement strategies.
• Ability to work independently, develop sources, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Work weekends and nights when there is major breaking news.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Equal Opportunity Employment

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.