Sports Reporter

Frederick News-Post; 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 local sports scene with focus on scholastic and professional teams. The role emphasizes accurate, objective reporting under nightly deadlines.

The ideal candidate has at least two years of reporting experience, is internet/social media savvy, and can shoot photos for publication. A journalism/English degree is preferred; InDesign layout skills are a plus. A valid driver’s license and vehicle are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of reporting experience.
• Internet and social media savvy.
• Ability to shoot photos for publication.
• Excellent grammar and AP style knowledge.
• InDesign layout skills preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Spanish language skills a plus.
• Valid driver's license and a vehicle.

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.
• Select high school all-star teams in consultation with staff and area coaches after seasons.
• Compile statistics, standings and team rankings for a weekly page.
• Cover for other reporters or accept other assignments as required, including pagination.

Skills

Reporting experience

Internet/social media savvy

Photo shooting

AP style

Spanish (plus)

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

InDesign layout

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. Theyll 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 bachelors 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 drivers 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.