Job Description: Staff Writer / Researcher

Work

Main Purpose of Role

• Produce well-written and accurate content for a variety of media including web and books
• Research new destinations to be included on the site / in the books
• Project work as required to enhance and improve the site / books

Core Responsibilities

• Create new pages with detailed, accurate, timely and up-to-date information regarding destinations, hotels, restaurants, tours, activities, etc, using a variety of sources of information, following the V!va Travel Guides style
• Write features and background information for countries and sites e.g History, Culture, Shopping, for the web / books
• Thorough research of new destinations, hotels, tours, activities, etc.
• Check details of new pages added to ensure that every page is 100% accurate
• Occasional training of new staff or freelance writers
• Editorial design of wording of user-forms
• Actively contribute to team meetings regarding new projects, suggesting ideas and brainstorming
• Assist the Editorial team to create and update the content strategy as required.
• Contribute to additional projects within deadlines as required to enhance the website.
• Proof-read the work of other writers as required to provide an accurate service to the users.

Essential skills, experience and abilities

• Experience of writing, preferably for different types of media, e.g. web, book, magazine
• Ability to write reviews and features in a descriptive but concise style.
• Experience of independent travel in 2 or more regions
• Native English speaker and ability to speak Spanish
• Willingness to commit at least one year to live and work in Quito
• Ability to grasp technical concepts
• Excellent computer skills
• Willingness to travel if required

Desirable skills, experience and abilities

• Experience of travel writing for different types of media, e.g. web, book, magazine
• Formal qualification in writing / journalism / English
• Significant experience of independent travel in the specific region
• Understanding of Search Engine Optimisation and writing for the web
• Experience of Adobe ImageReady / Photoshop / Pagemaker / Content Management Systems / MS Word and Excel

Desirable personal qualities

• Self-motivated and proactive
• Constantly works towards continuous improvement
• Flexible and adaptable
• Good team-worker with ability to work alone
• Hands-on
• Quick-learner
• Thorough, good attention to detail
• Passionate about travel
• Enthusiastic