Pittsburgh High School Sports Reporter

About the role

PennLive is looking for a fast-moving, digitally savvy High School Sports Reporter to become an authority on WPIAL athletics. This role goes far beyond traditional game recaps. We’re seeking a content creator who can cover Pittsburgh-area high school sports in real time and turn that reporting into compelling written stories and far-reaching vertical video. The ideal candidate will balance daily assignments with high-interest content such as top performers lists, rankings, and other audience-driven features that highlight the best of WPIAL competition. Speed, accuracy, and creativity are essential.

This position will also play a key role in producing engaging video designed for mobile and social audiences. The right candidate will be comfortable shooting, editing, and publishing video, using it to complement written coverage and expand reach across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. A passion for Pittsburgh high school sports—and a desire to own the WPIAL beat—are critical.

This job requires reliable transportation to meet with sources or cover games and events.

Responsibilities

• Cover Pittsburgh-area high school sports in real time, producing compelling written stories and vertical video.
• Create high-interest content such as top performers lists, rankings, and audience-driven features.
• Produce engaging video for mobile and social platforms, including shooting, editing, and publishing.
• Work independently under deadline pressure and prioritize tasks appropriately.
• Source, report, and break news with strong news judgment and sharp writing skills.
• Handle night, weekend, and travel assignments as central to the role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of two years of journalism experience with a proven ability in reporting and writing, preferably covering high school and/or other sports.
• Experience building, maintaining, and engaging an active audience.
• Comfort working across written, visual, and audio platforms.
• Clean, conversational writing that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Pay

The base salary range is $50,000 - $55,000 per year.