Wanted: Cowboys beat writer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

About the role

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is seeking an enterprising, news-breaking beat reporter to cover the Dallas Cowboys. The job requires tenacious daily reporting with a keen eye for storytelling, focusing on unique stories and taking readers behind the scenes. The goal is to increase the Star-Telegram’s digital audience through stories that have impact and can’t be found elsewhere.

Responsibilities

• Be out front in finding and breaking Dallas Cowboys news on a competitive beat.
• Report breaking news as it happens – be fast and first, without sacrificing accuracy and clarity.
• Build a wide range of NFL and Dallas Cowboys sources to keep the Star-Telegram competitive against local and national outlets.
• Write analytically for sports fans looking for a deeper understanding of the game.
• Proactively look for opportunities to tap into trending NFL topics as they relate to the Cowboys.
• Work collaboratively with other reporters and editors.
• Bring your own story ideas and be ready to take assignments.
• Be a leader in social media – both as a news-gathering tool and as a way to push out news quickly and build audience and engagement.
• Understand audience metrics and regularly mine data for takeaways on how to build and engage the audience.
• Enhance stories with multimedia elements, such as podcasts, video, and embedded tweets.
• Find enterprise stories that make for a deeper read and use storytelling techniques to engage readers.
• Help with non-Cowboys coverage as needed during the non-game season.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of football and the NFL.
• Strong reporting skills, including asking smart, persistent questions.
• Speed with breaking news and ability to push out news quickly and accurately.
• Ability to develop strong sources on a competitive beat.
• Flexibility to juggle multiple stories and priorities.
• Ability to shift priorities in a flash, as the news dictates.
• Ability to work independently, drawing on solid news judgment, while maintaining timely communication with editors.
• Demonstrated mastery of social media – as a reporting tool and as a way to push out news, build and engage the audience, and enhance your own brand.
• Exceptional track record with accuracy – built on strong work habits geared toward double-checking facts, names, and figures.
• Ability to produce clean, clear, concise copy every time.
• Strong skills as a collaborator, able to work constructively with editors and reporting colleagues in a deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

2+ years covering a professional team and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field are preferred.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits.