The Record of Stockton, California, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a self-starter to cover sports at nearly two dozen high schools
With more than 20 high schools in the area, there are plenty of opportunities to tell the stories of athletes competing within "the 209." Stockton has a diverse sports community, including Division I athletes around every corner, as well as a Division I university in the West Coast Conference.
This reporter will be comfortable using metrics to understand the kinds of enterprise and watchdog stories our readers want and will have the reporting and writing chops to deliver. They will enjoy building relationships with players, coaches, parentsand fans, and will tap into those sources to break news and find compelling human-interest stories.
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We want someone who is ambitious. We want someone who will own the beat by writing with voice and authority -- both in stories and on social media. We want someone who's interested in experimenting with different media and formats.
Living in Stockton puts you smack dab in the middle of California's Central Valley, just an hour and a half south from the state's capital,Sacramento, and the same time east of San Francisco and Oakland.
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 college 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:
- 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 and Reddit.
- Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a mobile device.
- Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.
- 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 some nights and weekends.
- Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.
- This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Application Instructions
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
- Your resume - one to two pages.
- A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
- Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you'veproduced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
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The hourly rate for this role will range between $21.88 and $34.18. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.