Freelance Digital Writer - Editor

Versant; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Versant Sports is seeking a Freelance Digital Writer/Editor to create and publish SEO-optimized sports content across Golf Channel and Versant Sports platforms. You will write, edit and package articles and video content for distribution across site, app and social channels.

The ideal candidate has 2–3 years in digital sports editorial, strong writing and editing skills, CMS familiarity, and an ability to work quickly under deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS from a four-year college or university or equivalent experience
• 2–3 years in digital editorial, content creation and distribution in sports/media
• Strong writing, editing and content packaging skills
• Experience with CMS platforms, SEO basics and analytics dashboards
• Solid editorial judgment and cross-platform engagement
• Excellent communication and teamwork
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize multiple events

Responsibilities

• Write and edit SEO-optimized sports articles, headlines and captions
• Work quickly on deadline, including live event coverage
• Cover Golf and multiple other sports topics
• Create, edit and publish tournament- and news-related content
• Use metrics to drive reach and engagement across platforms
• Manage presentation of content on Golf Channel and USA Sports sites
• Publish video content and livestream presentations
• Assist in sales/sponsored content ideation and execution
• Ensure accuracy and strong grammar
• Coordinate coverage around events with cross-team alignment
• Support partner relationships and manage multiple projects

Skills

Writing

Editing

SEO basics

CMS platforms

Analytics dashboards

Editorial judgment

Education

BA/BS in a relevant field

Job description

VERSANT (Nasdaq: VSNT) is an industry-changing media and entertainment business and home to trusted brands that shape culture, inform audiences, and build lasting connections. It operates across four core markets: political news and opinion, business news and personal finance, golf, and sports and genre entertainment. These markets are served through a powerful portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, including CNBC, MS NOW, USA Network, Golf Channel, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Versant's sports division USA Sports, along with complementary digital assets including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and GolfPass.

Job Description

Versant Sports is hiring a Freelance Digital Writer/Editor who will be a part of our growing team of digital content creators and publishers on the Sports digital team. This role requires day to day content creation and distribution of all original sports written editorial and video content across Versant Sports platforms, with a priority on Golf Channel and other sports as assigned. The ideal candidate is creative, adaptable, and efficient at writing, editing and optimizing digital-first Sports content for distribution across site, app, social media and mobile optimized platforms. You will package Golf Channel’s written and video content in a manner that maximizes reach while prioritizing editorial accuracy. You’ll also be assigned other sports editorial articles in line with Versant’s Sports priorities.

This is a project based / limited term position with an estimated duration of up to12months, unless otherwise amended orterminatedas deliverables within this project are completed.

Responsibilities:

• Write and edit SEO-optimized sports articles, headlines and captions that drive page views and discovery
• Ability to work in a fast-paced sports environment and write and edit multiple articles quickly on deadline, often throughout live event coverage
• A strong familiarity with Golf and covering Golf related news is required, as well as ease in writing for multiple other sports genres including: basketball, volleyball, soccer and other Versant Sports priorities
• Create, edit and publish tournament- and news-related content as assigned
• Writer/editors should have strong handle on editorial judgement and use performance metrics to drive reach and engagement on the content they’re creating. A good sense of what will perform well for sports and golf audiences is required
• Manage the presentation of content across Versant Sports sites including Golf Channel and USA Sports homepages and sports brand-specific pages
• Manage video publishing and livestream presentation on the Golf Channel main site and on the Sports App
• Assist in the ideation, creation and execution of sales / sponsored content
• Excellent grammar and fact checking are required
• Package Golf Channel written and video content on our digital platforms to maximize reach and prioritize editorial accuracy
• Plan around key properties and tentpole events to develop coverage strategies and ensure coordination between linear broadcasts and digital teams
• Contribute to team brainstorms by pitching content ideas that will help build on-site and off-site traffic and audience
• Support relationships with partner platforms
• Juggle multiple projects with parallel timelines

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• BA or BS from a four-year accredited college or university or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in digital editorial, content creation and distribution at a sports or media company, publisher or content agency
• Strong writing, editing and content packaging skills with a clear sense of voice by audience and platform
• Experience working with CMS platforms, SEO basics and analytics dashboards
• Solid editorial judgment and engagement with multiple digital properties
• Firm understanding of digital storytelling, audience development and distribution best practicesClear communication skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Keen attention to detail and ability to prioritize across multiple concurrent leagues and events
• Familiarity with a digital ecosystem and ability to learn and master multiple technical platforms
• Strong copy editing skills, ability to self-edit your own work
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines
• Willingness to be an individual contributor while working within a team environment and contribute to the overall brand’s growth and success

Eligibility Requirements:

• Interested candidates must submit a resume for this job online to be consideredMust be willing to work in Stamford, CT
• Must have work authorization to work in the United States
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings due to news cycles and breaking news

Desired Characteristics:

• Demonstrated knowledge of golf and its leagues, events and intricacies – strong interest in golf required
• Strong understanding of SEO principles and publishing
• Strong organizational skills; attention to detail
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work in a team environment

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [e-mail] .

VERSANT Media is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.

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