National Soccer Writer

USA TODAY Sports is looking for an energetic and versatile reporter with supreme soccer knowledge who can strengthen our coverage at USA TODAY Co.

The ideal candidate should have a vast knowledge for the international game, global leagues, USMNT, USWNT, MLS and NWSL. This reporter should understand how to capture breaking news and viral moments with urgency, while also knowing how to write thoughtful analysis and enterprise. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. This candidate should be comfortable being on camera to concisely analyze the news, especially vertical video.

While expertise in soccer is necessary, the ideal candidate should know a little bit of everything and be able to write on a variety of sports. Bilingual skills are a plus in order to cover the global game.

USA TODAY Co. is the nation's largest news media organization, consisting of more than 230 properties, including USA TODAY. The candidate will work collaboratively with fast-moving teams across the enterprise to help achieve the company's goal of becoming the dominant sports news source in the country.

This is a salaried position, with competitive benefits and pay. This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii. Strong online communication skills are mandatory.

• Create smart, thoughtful, engaging, content in a variety of formats to rapidly grow audience on USA TODAY and other network sites.
• Master best practices for maximum reach on search / social and commit to getting content to top of Google carousels.
• Stay on front lines of what's buzzing, especially in the soccer world, to disseminate quick responses on trending topics.
• Engage readers every day, including written, video and social media content.
• Track performance and be comfortable in an environment of constant adjustment to reach performance goals.
• Display creativity in everything from developing fresh content to writing SEO-friendly headlines to sharing content socially to having an eye for images and video.
• Own the opportunity to execute strategy, make massive audience gains and work in a fast-moving and highly rewarding journalism environment.

• College degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years' experience as a sports journalist, with focus on fast-paced digital content production and multimedia expertise.
• Understanding of various news and information content management systems.
• A history of collaboration, innovation and goal achievement.
• Proven ability of maximizing readership by anticipating news, researching trends and delivering news in a variety of story forms.
• Exceptional social media and engagement skills.
• Ability to write with accuracy and precision.
• Excellent communication and time-management skills.
• Approachability, personal charisma and a commitment to staff.
• Understanding of the changing sports media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
• Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 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.