Job and Internship Listings

At the Observer Media Group, we believe the most important news is the news closest to our readers. After all, despite the noise national news generates, the issues that impact us most are local.

If you agree, you might be the perfect fit to join our team here in sunny Sarasota, Florida. We are looking for a news reporter looking to make their mark at our flagship paper, the Longboat Observer.

Independently owned and family run since 1978, the Longboat Observer is the quintessential local newspaper. It is the paper of record for Longboat Key, the 10-mile-long barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, and it is a place where two things are true when it comes to news: our residents care about it, and they trust us as the No. 1 source to get it.

Following our ethos of “no news is too small,” we report on everything from big environmental issues like red tide and Longboat’s recovery from hurricanes Helene and Milton to the fun and playful things on the key, such as the management of the resident swans and the state of the dog parks. And don’t forget the big story cycle of elections, budgets and more.

If you are interested in making a difference where it matters most — where people work, play and live — then this might be the job for you.

THE JOB

This position focuses on covering all the happenings of town hall and local government, while also having the freedom to pursue lots of enterprise stories and alternative story forms. It is an excellent opportunity for a reporter looking to learn how to cover a beat, and in your time here, you’ll rack up loads of front-page bylines with opportunities to work on special projects and reports.

At the Observer we say if you can dream it then you can do it, but you won’t be doing it alone. You will work daily with a team of your fellow reporters, editors and designers — all local —to make a unique product that informs, delights and surprises our readers. Plus, with our digital-first publishing strategy with multiple newsletters and a focus on data-driven reporting, you’ll get to the see the impact of your stories with our weekly analytics dashboard.

THE SKILLS

We’re looking for a self-starter who will quickly become the go-to person for all news related to Longboat Key. We also are looking for someone who wants to become part of the community, not just report on it, and who makes up with enthusiasm and attitude what they might lack in experience.

Here are a few signs this could be the job for you:

• You’d rather be in the field chasing stories than sitting at your desk.
• You consider local politics as one of your favorite spectator sports.
• You’re confident in your news judgment and aren’t afraid to discuss with your editor whether to pursue a story or what belongs on the front page.
• You love reading as much as you love writing.
• Your vocabulary doesn’t include “That’s not my job”
• You always have a Plan B ready in case stories fall through.
• You have a love of journalism, knowledge of AP style, rapport with sources, knack for details, ability to hit deadlines and desire to constantly improve your craft.
• You know your way around a camera and are excited about shooting your own art.
• You are an A player looking forward to working with other A players.
• And above all, at the Observer, we take the news we cover seriously, but never ourselves.

INTERESTED?

Please email your resume, including references, three to five clips or link to your portfolio, and a cover letter explaining why you’re the ideal candidate for the job to Managing Editor Michael Harris at mharris@yourobserver.com.

ABOUT US

The paper is part of the Observer Media Group, a family-owned and operated multimedia company based in Sarasota, Florida. The company publishes seven weekly newspapers throughout Florida, along with six websites. Altogether, our newspapers and websites reach more than 400,000 readers weekly.

While our print papers are weekly, we are a daily news operation, posting breaking news and features on our website, YourObserver.com.

If you’re looking for a stable company where you can try new things and continue to grow as a reporter and writer, this is the place for you. We consistently win the Florida Press Association’s award for general excellence, and we have been named the best newspaper in North America by the Local Media Association three times. In everything we do, we strive for excellence.

Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience. Full benefits are included.