Texas Monthly has an opening for a senior writer, beginning in January 2025, who will cover food and drink across Texas, through both rigorous reporting and restaurant criticism. Texas Monthly has long been regarded as an authority on the state’s food scene. The magazine, which employs on its staff both a barbecue editor and a taco editor, also covers fine dining, ingredients and makers, recipes, and favorite local spots outside of those that serve smoked meats and Mexican food. This senior writer will be expected to build upon TM’s authority on the state’s food and drink scene, and should be brimming with ideas that will capture the attention of a statewide—and increasingly nationwide—audience. The senior writer will report to the senior editor for food and drink and will work closely with her to cover the exciting, diverse, and ever-evolving dining scene in Texas.

Ideal candidates should be digitally fluent, literary-minded journalists who are able to move easily among storytelling platforms, story styles, and subjects and who are passionate about food. This senior writer should be able to handle both monthly print assignments and quick-turn stories for the web.

This full-time staff position is based in Texas and requires regular travel around the state. It offers stability at a nationally renowned media company that is growing in audience, revenue and editorial staff. Its culture is defined by collegiality, curiosity, ambition, experimentation, the highest journalistic standards, and an abiding sense of service to our millions of readers both in and outside of Texas. This position offers generous benefits, including a comprehensive health-insurance plan, 401(k) matching, profit sharing, and eligibility for performance-based bonuses. Compensation is competitive and negotiable.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Write a column for the print magazine every month, on topics that could include reviews of fine-dining and local-favorite establishments, trends in food and drink, and profiles of interesting chefs, restaurateurs, ingredient providers, etc.
• Research and write the annual Where to Eat Now feature, focused on the ten best new restaurants in Texas, by traveling across the state all year to evaluate candidates
• Contribute to researching and writing other food features when necessary, including but not limited to the BBQ Top 50 list and taqueria and taco rankings
• Report and write three stories a month for the web
• Develop and pitch story ideas frequently for print and web
• Travel between five and fourteen days a month for reporting
• Appear on, and pitch ideas for, video projects for TM, including but not limited to Reels, TikTok, in-house video series, etc.

Application process:

If you are interested in this position, please fill out this application form by October 28, 2024. Applications will be considered only if they are submitted through that form.

Texas Monthly will review applications on a rolling basis and may reach out to some candidates before that date, but all applications received by the deadline will be reviewed. Promising candidates will have an initial interview with the HR manager and one or two editorial staffers. From there, some candidates may be asked to complete a writing test. TM will then select 2–3 finalists to do a final round of interviews with TM leadership and other members of the editorial department.

Candidates who are interested in the position but would like more information about the role or about Texas Monthly before applying can book an information call with the director of editorial operations via Calendly.

Texas Monthly is committed to diversity and to cultivating an inclusive environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Successful candidates will possess the following skills/abilities:

• A literary writing style with an emphasis on characterization, scene-setting, and narrative
• An ability to pitch and report compelling stories
• A deep curiosity about and enthusiasm for food and drink
• The ability to independently manage their time to juggle quicker-turn stories with mid-length assignments and long-term projects
• A collegial, professional attitude, taking feedback with grace and demonstrating an eagerness to collaborate as part of a team
• A willingness to appear on camera is preferred

Education/experience:

• Ten years of relevant experience, including previous experience reporting on food and/or reviewing restaurants
• Previous experience reporting in Texas is strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree

About Texas Monthly

Since 1973, Texas Monthly has chronicled life in contemporary Texas, reporting on vital issues such as politics, criminal justice, the environment, industry, and education. Often referred to as “the National Magazine of Texas,” Texas Monthly is known for smart, literary journalism and in-depth investigative reporting that illuminates issues of public policy and drives the discussion of what’s important in the Lone Star State. Additionally, Texas Monthly continues to be the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering music, the arts, travel, restaurants, museums, and cultural events with its insightful recommendations.

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