Baton Rouge LA Part-Time Sports Reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking a candidate who can create compelling stories that engage audiences, particularly in high school sports. The role emphasizes strong communication, community interaction through various platforms, and the ability to work under deadline pressure.

The ideal applicant will have prior reporting experience, especially in sports, proficiency in social media, and the capability to produce and edit visual content. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for this role.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Previous reporting experience, preferably in sports.
• Proficient on social media platforms.
• Experience in shooting/editing photos/videos on mobile devices.
• Strong writing skills and familiarity with AP style.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging stories that inform and entertain.
• Become the leading voice in high school sports.
• Connect with the community through storytelling.
• Collaborate on content and evaluate audience engagement.
• Promote personal and institutional brands.

Skills

Social media proficiency

Strong communication skills

Writing and editing skills

Multitasking under pressure

Knowledge of AI ethics

Experience in sports reporting

Job description

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 high school 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.

Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• 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.
• Knowledge of proper AI ethics. Experience using it is preferred.
• 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 communicating with athletes and coaches.

EEO Statement

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.