Sports Reporter

Sports Reporter

The Argus Leader/argusleader.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a driven reporter who is energized by the opportunity to deliver enterprising college and high school sports coverage to our digital and print audiences.

The primary focus of college coverage is South Dakota State University, with a secondary focus on the University of South Dakota. Preps reporting will concentrate on recruiting, stories on players and coaches and regional and state tournament competitions.

This position requires someone who thinks digital first. Multimedia skills are a must, including the ability to produce and edit video and engage the local audience.

We're looking for someone who goes beyond traditional game coverage to provide sharp analysis about why games were won or lost. We want someone who understands sports is a metaphor for life and loves to find and write stories that capture the struggles and aspirations of student athletes and their families.

• Driven to be the premier source of sports information in Sioux Falls and South Dakota.
• The ability to report and write compelling stories that serve our existing audience and attract new readers.
• Passionate about getting information to the audience first and using appropriate platforms to connect audiences with the types of content they prefer, including videos, social media and podcasting.
• Self-starter with the ability to develop relationships through phone calls, text messaging and social media.
• Enjoys being part of a team and collaborating with others to benefit our statewide coverage and its audience.

• Research, report and produce accurate, compelling content that informs and engages readers.
• Use sites such as Google Trends and platforms such as Crowdtangle and Dataminr to mine story ideas from social media and news organizations.
• Seek out compelling photos, graphics and video and secure permission to use them.
• Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries, video - that are tailored to the right platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the target audience.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior professional journalism experience or significant internship experience.
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
• Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
• Ability to shoot and edit photos and video and file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Comfort with using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.