Description
Job Description: Cannabis Writer at VICE.com
About VICE.com:
VICE.com is a global leader in producing and distributing groundbreaking news, culture, and entertainment content. With a finger on the pulse of current events, trends, and social issues, VICE.com is the go-to source for insightful and thought-provoking journalism. We are looking for a talented and passionate Cannabis Writer to join our dynamic team and contribute to our growing cannabis content.
Role Overview:
As a Cannabis Writer at VICE.com, you will be responsible for creating engaging and informative content that covers the cannabis industry, legal updates, and product-related topics. Product reviews will be focused on ingestibles - gummies, candies, drinks, etc - and accessories.
You will have the opportunity to review and test a variety of cannabis products, including drinks, gummies, and other cannabis-related items, and share your honest and informed perspectives with our audience. Your content will help guide our readers in staying informed on the latest cannabis trends, products, and news, all while aligning with VICE's voice and editorial standards.
You will need to write in the VICE voice - irreverent, smart, witty, funny - and provide 1st person perspectives on topics.
DO NOT APPLY IF YOU ARE A BORING WRITER, this is not Reuters or CNET.
You must be an experienced cannabis user to effectively review and test products.
Absolutely must be based in the United States.
Key Responsibilities:
- Write, edit, and publish high-quality cannabis content, including product reviews, industry news, trend pieces, and buying guides.
- Research and identify trending cannabis topics, products, and legislative updates that resonate with the VICE audience.
- Collaborate with the editorial team to ensure content is accurate, informative, and aligns with VICE's bold and relatable style.
- Review and test cannabis products, including edibles, beverages, and more, providing detailed and authentic reviews.
- Optimize content for SEO to increase visibility and drive traffic to the site.
- Monitor and analyze the performance of cannabis-related content, using insights to improve future articles.
- Stay up-to-date with cannabis industry trends, legal changes, and emerging products to keep content fresh and relevant.
- Work with affiliate marketing tools and programs to integrate commerce elements into cannabis content effectively.
Qualifications:
- 2-3 years proven experience as a writer producing content in the cannabis space.
- In-depth knowledge of the cannabis industry, including legal frameworks, cultural trends, and product categories.
- Firsthand experience as a cannabis consumer, with the ability to provide authentic, detailed product reviews. The products that will be reviewed are legal nationwide under the 2018 Farm Bill. [Must be an experienced cannabis user to review and test products]
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Strong understanding of SEO best practices and how to implement them in content creation.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with affiliate marketing and e-commerce platforms.
- Ability to analyze data and use insights to improve content performance.
- Creative thinker with the ability to produce original, engaging, and informative content.
Required Skills:
- Experience with content management systems (CMS), such as WordPress.
- Previous experience working in a digital media environment.
- Ability to write in the VICE style as outlined below. If you cannot adapt or do not prefer to write in this style, this role may not be the right fit.
The VICE Writing Style:
Bold and Edgy: VICE embraces a bold, unapologetic, and irreverent tone that often pushes boundaries. The writing is fearless and willing to tackle controversial or unconventional topics.
Conversational and Relatable: The VICE tone is casual and conversational, making complex or niche subjects accessible and engaging for a broad audience. It often feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend.
Authentic and Honest: VICE prioritizes authenticity, delivering content that feels genuine and true to its subjects. There’s a strong emphasis on honest reporting and personal perspectives.
Culturally Savvy: VICE writing reflects a deep understanding of current cultural trends and movements. It is in tune with the zeitgeist, often highlighting underrepresented or subcultural phenomena.
Investigative and In-Depth: While maintaining a casual tone, VICE articles involve thorough research and in-depth reporting. The stories are well-crafted and provide insightful analysis.
If you are passionate about cannabis culture, knowledgeable about the industry, and excited to share your voice with a global audience, we’d love to hear from you! Please include links to your published work in the portfolio section.
This role is contract to hire.