Local Economy Business Reporter

Job Title: Local Economy Business Reporter

Location: Tampa Bay, FL

Position Summary

The Tampa Bay Times is seeking an ambitious and curious Local Economy Business Reporter to cover the forces shaping Tampa Bay’s dynamic and evolving economy. This role sits on the Business and Health team and focuses on delivering timely, insightful journalism on the companies, industries, and economic trends that define the region.

This reporter will balance fast-paced breaking news with deeply reported enterprise stories, helping readers understand not just what is happening, but why it matters. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable chasing scoops, analyzing data, and cultivating sources to uncover stories that impact how people live, work, and do business in Tampa Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Report and write timely, accurate breaking news on local business and economic developments
• Develop enterprise stories that explore trends in Tampa Bay’s economy, including tourism, workforce shifts, innovation, and corporate activity
• Cover major regional employers (e.g., Publix, Jabil, Bloomin’ Brands, ReliaQuest) and identify news opportunities within large organizations
• Monitor and interpret data sources such as federal economic reports, corporate filings, and industry analyses to generate story ideas
• Build and maintain a strong network of sources across business, government, and the startup ecosystem
• Track the growth of Tampa Bay’s startup and innovation sectors, including emerging companies and investment activity
• Translate complex economic and business topics into clear, engaging journalism for a broad audience
• Collaborate with editors and colleagues to prioritize coverage and elevate storytelling across platforms
• Identify and pursue exclusive stories that differentiate the Tampa Bay Times from competitors
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrated experience in reporting, preferably covering business, economics, or related beats
• Strong news judgment with the ability to move quickly on breaking stories without sacrificing accuracy
• Experience developing enterprise or investigative stories
• Comfort working with data, reports, and financial documents to inform coverage
• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain source relationships
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to explain complex topics clearly
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Curiosity about economic trends and how they impact local communities