Food Editor Jobs

Food Editor

Palo Alto, California

The Embarcadero Media food editor is a passionate foodie who owns the company’s coverage on the SF Peninsula and is charged with making the Peninsula Foodist the go-to source for food news and features in Silicon Valley.

The editor for all things food related writes and assigns articles of varying lengths and subjects, from the service-y "where to eat" pieces to larger food and industry trend analysis to profiles of unique people in the food space to deep dives into meatier subjects like farmworker housing, pesticide use near schools etc.

The Foodist is also a whiz at getting the word out, optimizing the reach of food coverage using social media and SEO tools, engaging with the Foodist's audience to build loyalty, and creatively experimenting with newsletter and article content and formats to discover what resonates with readers and serves their needs.

If you're a journalist with a passion for digital storytelling, a nose for overlooked or under-covered topics and people and a love of connecting directly with an audience, we invite you to apply.

Key duties for this role may evolve but will include:

Week-to-week:

• Generate story ideas by talking to sources, checking social media and other food publications’ sites and visiting dining destinations around the Peninsula.
• Produce a target goal of three Peninsula Foodist briefs per week (service or news-oriented). Also produce one food feature per week on topics like new or interesting eateries or local food trends.
• Oversee the weekly Peninsula Foodist newsletter.
• Assign and edit stories produced by interns and freelancers.
• Produce one in-depth food feature every month. The in-depth food feature could be an “At the Table”-style chef interview, an explainer that localizes a national trend or issue, a deep profile of an industry newsmaker etc.
• Post to social media daily (stories, polls, contests, AMAs, reels etc.) and respond to comments.

Other responsibilities include:

• Optimize the reach of Foodist articles through SEO best practices and use of analytics.
• Organize and host virtual and in-person events in the community.
• Develop and execute a social media strategy for the Peninsula Foodist.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Skill in using MailChimp, WordPress and Newspack.
• A passion for digital storytelling, food writing and evolving formats and media. The drive to develop the Peninsula food beat.
• The ability to work well independently and with small groups, larger teams and external partners.
• A deadline-oriented, self-starter mindset and the ability to prioritize projects and generate new story ideas.
• Familiarity with the basic tools and techniques of newsgathering and writing.
• A strong affinity for the mission and values of a local news organization that prioritizes fact-based, objective reporting and an open-minded approach to interacting with our communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A commitment to using digital best practices (search, social, analytics, newsletters, audience engagement) that grow audiences.

Embarcadero Media is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We strive to provide work-life balance and a culture of trust, transparency and collaboration. This is a full-time, benefited position offering health insurance and a 401(k) savings plan, paid vacation, paid sick time and paid company holidays. The salary range is $25 to $27 an hour DOE. We work hybrid, with some in-office collaboration expected.

To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing how your experience fits the needs of the position. Also attach your resume, links to one or more websites whose audiences you helped to increase, and two examples of work that shows your editing. No phone calls, please.