What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contributing Writer position at Airport Hospitality Academy?
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Airport Hospitality Magazine
SLA Worldwide is seeking a talented and well-connected Contributing Writer to develop original editorial content exploring the evolving world of airport hospitality, travel, food and beverage, retail, design, culture, and the passenger experience.
The ideal candidate is an experienced journalist or editorial writer with a strong background in hospitality, travel, aviation, food and beverage, or lifestyle media and an ability to identify compelling stories and bring them to life through engaging, sophisticated editorial.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Contributing Writer will:
· Research, pitch, and develop original story ideas relevant to airport hospitality and the broader travel industry.
· Write original features, profiles, trend stories, interviews, destination pieces, and other editorial content for print and digital platforms.
· Proactively source stories, industry developments, emerging concepts, and noteworthy people and brands for potential coverage.
· Identify and secure interviews with hospitality executives, chefs, restaurateurs, designers, airport leaders, concessionaires, entrepreneurs, industry innovators, and other relevant subjects.
· Prepare for and conduct thoughtful, engaging interviews independently.
· Coordinate and help facilitate editorial photo shoots, including working with subjects, venues, photographers, publicists, and the magazine’s editorial and creative teams.
· Attend select openings, industry events, conferences, restaurant and hospitality experiences, and other assignments when appropriate.
· Develop and maintain relationships with industry professionals, PR agencies, brands, airport organizations, hospitality groups, and other editorial sources.
· Fact-check reporting and ensure names, titles, statistics, quotes, and other details are accurate.
· Meet assigned deadlines and work collaboratively with editors through the editing and production process.
· Maintain the magazine’s editorial standards, voice, and commitment to original, credible storytelling.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have professional writing or journalism experience, preferably covering hospitality, travel, aviation, restaurants, food and beverage, retail, design, or lifestyle.
Candidates should demonstrate strong reporting, interviewing, research, and storytelling skills, along with the confidence to independently pursue sources and secure high-level interviews. Existing relationships within the hospitality, travel, aviation, restaurant, or related industries are highly valued.
A strong understanding of what makes a story timely, relevant, and visually compelling is essential, as is the ability to move comfortably between executive interviews, industry reporting, experiential pieces, and lifestyle-driven features.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a contributing writer position for a journalist who can do more than execute assigned stories. We are looking for someone who actively brings ideas to the table, recognizes stories before they become obvious, develops industry relationships, and helps expand the editorial reach of Airport Hospitality Magazine.
The successful contributor will combine strong editorial instincts with an understanding of hospitality and an enthusiasm for telling the stories of the people, brands, concepts, and innovations transforming the airport experience.
Work Location: In person