Food Editor, Food & Wine

The Food Editor is a key member of the F&W Food Department, producing food and cooking stories, recipes, and related assets for the brand. The Food Editor brainstorms, researches, reports, writes, edits, and packages food and recipe content, working closely with key talent, the test kitchen, and studios. This role is suited for a dynamic and skilled cook and editor who loves writing for detail and clarity as much as they obsess over fine tuning recipes for the ultimate results.

The right candidate is a team-oriented self-starter who works well with diverse teams; is an excellent communicator; has professional cooking experience; and maintains a deep understanding of cooking techniques, food trends, cultures, and cuisines. They can show and tell home cooks how to execute ambitious cooking projects with clear, precise, empowering language and a great eye for photography and video. They meet deadlines, are highly organized and energetic, and are proactive in prioritizing daily, weekly, and long-term tasks.

This position is based in-person in Birmingham, AL.

Essential Job Functions

75%

• Work with the Senior Food Editor and Associate Director, Food, to ideate, research, report, write, evaluate, and edit recipes
• Liaise with the associate digital director and SEO editor to optimize print-first recipes forfoodandwine.com from conception to publication and to identify digital-first recipes that should appear in each print issue
• Adapt print cooking stories for digital publication; pitch and write stories for digital, including SEO-priority content like explainers

• Produce the Handbook section in each issue of Food & Wine
• Work closely with in-house and freelance recipe developers to create the highest-quality recipes for Food & Wine
• Support the Food Studios to oversee the production and testing of recipes, making sure recipes meet quality standards
• Support the photo and design teams to make sure recipes are styled appropriately in photo shoots; write creative briefs for food stories and recipes; be on set (in person or over Zoom, as appropriate) to offer feedback and support as shoots take place
• Support the video team as needed
• Support the editorial team to help identify and/or commission appropriate recipes for all sections of the magazine
• Assign, write, and edit food columns and features
• Communicate in a timely, respectful manner with F&W staff, recipe testers, chefs, developers, vendors, and others to advance recipe development and the production of other food-related content
• Maintain lineups, schedules, and status of recipes, stories, and photos

25%

• Copy-fit recipes during print production
• Help write expanded headnotes and other digital-only material for print-first recipes running onfoodandwine.com
• Develop and maintain relationships with freelance recipe developers, chefs, food writers, and other contributors
• Represent Food & Wine at conferences and other industry events as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, history, English, or similar (or equivalent experience in print or digital media production) plus deep and broad food knowledge from work experience at a food publication, culinary school, restaurant, or test kitchen.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years combined work experience in print and digital food media, test kitchens, restaurant kitchens, or equivalent.

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Detail-oriented and experienced at balancing multiple projects and able to re-prioritize as needed
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to interact responsibly and professionally with coworkers, contributors,
  readers, and experts
• Knowledge of Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat, InDesign/InCopy is required; working knowledge of Slack, Zoom, and Airtable (or other project management systems) a plus
• Ability to respond to questions or problems in a concise and courteous manner
• Working knowledge of wine, beer, and spirits a plus

Ability to write clearly and thoughtfully on a broad range of food topics and cooking techniques in a fast-paced environment. Ability to pivot between tasks to advance the work of recipe testers and photo teams with clarity and motivation. Ability to conceptualize and execute food stories for the Food & Wine audience in print and online. Strong oral and written communications skills a must, including experience writing and editing magazine features. Experience working in digital publishing platforms and familiarity with SEO a plus.

Ability to manage communication and work deliverables across multiple applications, including AirTable, InCopy, Google Drive, Slack, video conferencing, and more. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments within a deadline-driven environment. Skilled in problem-solving and working independently and within a team environment. Strong eye for detail.