High School Sports Reporter

About the role

The Lafayette Journal & Courier, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an energetic and passionate reporter to join our sports team.

Responsibilities

• Create storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
• Work toward becoming the community’s leading voice of expertise in high school sports.
• Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.).
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work with editor and content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).
• Capture basic photos and video as needed.
• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous reporting experience preferred; even better if you've covered sports.
• Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Reddit.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a mobile device.
• Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.
• AI and automation literacy and a willingness or experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.
• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.
• Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.

Qualifications

A bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous reporting experience preferred; even better if you've covered sports. Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Reddit. Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a mobile device. Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability. AI and automation literacy and a willingness or experience in using it to enhance their journalism. Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure. Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently. Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style. Ability to work nights and weekends. Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.

Skills

• Storytelling
• Community engagement
• Analysis
• Collaboration
• Customer service
• Photo/video production
• Writing
• News judgment
• Headline writing
• AI and automation
• Time management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Grammar and spelling
• Flexibility
• Physical presence

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, Paid Time Off, Company Paid Holidays, employee discount program and domestic partner benefits.

Pay

Competitive base salary and career growth opportunities.

Schedule

Nights and weekends.