Associate Editor

Summary

Join Eater as an experienced reporter and editor contributing news, reports, and maps to Midwest regions (Chicago, Twin Cities, Detroit). You will assist the regional editor in setting the tone, capturing the dining scene's breadth and depth, and showcasing diverse voices and cuisines. Tenacity in breaking news and tracking restaurants throughout their lifecycle is crucial. The role demands a sharp tastemaking sensibility for Eater's service maps and guides, generating fresh ideas to make Eater publications must-reads. This remote position is based in the Chicago metro area and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Requirements

• Experience in journalism, particularly with breaking daily news, developing sources, covering a beat, and editing other writers
• Ability to pivot nimbly, managing multiple assignments across the Midwest region
• A sense of urgency surrounding the fast pace of digital news, and the ability to quickly execute insightful service content
• Comfort with tastemaking and asserting an authoritative voice about restaurants across a particular region
• Attention to detail, news judgment, story packaging, and careful eye for accuracy
• Interest in digital headline writing, analytics, and social media publishing
• Great communication skills and the ability to maintain focus in a high-volume, remote work environment
• A love for restaurants and knowledge of the regional scene and at the very least a voracious hunger to become an expert in the industry
• Ability to adapt and strategize using data-driven tools and feedback
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to the demands of a changing media market

Responsibilities

• Offer expertise and insight into the food and restaurant culture across the Midwest region
• Contribute to daily news stories, in-depth features, and service-oriented pieces such as maps and guides
• Assist with the execution of various social media accounts on X, Facebook, Instagram, as well as newsletters, keeping in line with Eater's standards
• Assist with the editing of freelancers and peers as needed
• Ensure all posts are SEO optimized and that headlines meet our standards
• Track openings and develop sources including chefs, restaurateurs, and relevant spokespeople across the wider Midwest region
• Assist with various other editorial duties as needed
• Participate in cross-brand promotional efforts and collaboration with the national Eater.com team as communicated by other team managers
• Appear on panels, radio, and other public appearances as appropriate for the brand

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise covering the Chicago area and access to a car or comfort taking public transportation
• Experience with managing and editing freelancers
• Experience covering business, real estate, the restaurant industry, or legal matters
• Experience with photography and article layout
• Experience with writing and/or editing long-lead, high-touch feature stories

Benefits

• This is a permanent, full-time position
• This job is benefits-eligible
• This role is a part of the Vox Media Union, represented by the Writers Guild of America, East
• Pay Range: $65,000 — $68,000 USD