High School Sports Reporter (T2)

Part of the USA TODAY Network, the Citizen-Times is the leading news and information source in Asheville, North Carolina.

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic and energetic sports reporter to lead high school sports coverage in Western North Carolina. The ideal candidate will be digitally savvy and committed to leading the conversation in a rich local sports market. This role requires multimedia skills, including the ability to produce and edit video, and engage audiences on social media. You will deliver compelling human-interest stories and identify interesting trends for enterprise stories that go beyond game results.

Responsibilities

• Be the area’s leading voice in high school sports.
• Connect with the community through social media, including Instagram.
• Craft coverage based on historical success and adapt approach based on digital metrics and audience needs.
• 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.
• Work occasional late nights or weekends as needed by the news cycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This can be an entry-level position, but 1-2 years' reporting/newsroom experience is preferred.
• Adept at taking photos and video and the ability to file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop, and social media.
• Strong command of grammar and AP Style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate, and "publication ready."
• Passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
• A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsrooms.
• Comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Skills

• Dynamic writing ability and knowledge of football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and more.
• Ambitious, thinks big, writes with authority, and has a passion for storytelling and breaking news before competitors.

Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen (for driving roles only).