High School Sports Reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Brighton (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is looking for a sports reporter in Brighton, Michigan. The role focuses on covering high school athletics, including NCAA Division I athletes and Olympians.

The reporter will create compelling stories, provide community insights, and engage audiences across various platforms. Candidates should have a background in journalism, strong communication skills, and a willingness to work nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Previous reporting experience preferred, especially covering sports.
• AI and automation literacy is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging sports stories for the community.
• Connect with readers through various media platforms.
• Collaborate with editors to enhance content quality.

Skills

Communication skills

Headline writing

Proficiency in social media

Multitasking

AP style familiarity

Photo and video editing

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications or journalism

Job description

Company Overview

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth‑focused media and digital marketing solutions company.

Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK—comprised of the national publication USA TODAY and local media organizations across the United States—as well as our wholly‑owned UK subsidiary Newsquest, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high‑quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium‑sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

Position

The USA TODAY Network is seeking a sports reporter to cover high school athletics in Livingston County, Michigan. The role focuses on seven high schools and the many NCAA Division I athletes from the area, including several Olympians.

Game coverage is important, but it’s only part of the job. Breaking news, good feature writing, and enterprise on the history and future of sports in this community are critical to success.

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.) and 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 (photos, videos, graphics); capture basic photos and videos as needed.
• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• 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.
• AI and automation literacy and a willingness or experience in using it to enhance journalism.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends.
• Comfort building a beat and 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. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. In addition, we will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation as a result of a disability or religion to complete this employment application and/or any other process. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co., Inc. employs employees will be removed from our system after submission.