Sports Reporter

Vance Airscoop; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Frederick News-Post in Frederick, MD is seeking a sports reporter to cover a growing community with a rich sports scene. The role focuses on scholastic and professional sports, reporting with accuracy and objectivity.

Ideal candidates have at least two years of reporting experience, a degree in journalism or related fields, InDesign layout skills, and a command of AP style. Spanish is a plus, and a valid driver's license with reliable vehicle is required.

Qualifications

• At least two years of reporting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or related field preferred.
• InDesign layout skills preferred.
• AP style proficiency required.
• Spanish language skills a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Cover local high school, collegiate and professional sports.
• Cover local non-school sports.
• Rewrite press releases, take scores/highlights via phone/email, and copy edit pages.
• Pick high school all-star teams in consultation with staff and area coaches after each season.
• Compile high school statistics, standings and team rankings for a weekly page.
• Cover for other reporters and/or accept other assignments as required, including newspaper pagination.

Skills

Reporting experience

AP style

Education

Bachelors degree

Tools

InDesign

Job description

The Frederick News-Post, a six-day-a-week newspaper in Frederick, Maryland, is seeking a sports reporter to cover a rapidly growing community with a rich sports scene.

The primary focus of this role is reporting on scholastic and professional sports, accurately and objectively.

Qualified candidates will have at least two years of reporting experience. They will be highly motivated and resourceful enough to find story ideas. They’ll work with a collaborative spirit under nightly deadline pressures. Must be internet/social media savvy and able to shoot photos for publication.

Ideal candidates will have broad sports knowledge, curiosity, determination, the desire to constantly know more, the wisdom not to assume.

You’ll also occasionally write feature stories for the news section.

A bachelor’s degree, particularly in journalism, English, or a related program, and InDesign layout skills are preferred.

Must have excellent grammar skills and knowledge of AP style. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

Must have a motor vehicle suitable for getting around the county, a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving history with no suspensions.

The normal schedule is Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, is required.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cover local high school, collegiate and professional sports, including games, breaking news, profiles and features.

• Cover local non-school sports.

• Rewrite press releases, take scores/highlights via phone/email, and copy edit pages.

• Pick high school all-star teams in consultation with fellow staff members and area coaches after each high school sports season.

• Compile high school statistics, standings and team rankings for a weekly page.

• Cover for other reporters and/or accept other assignments as required, including newspaper pagination.