Sports Reporter, Ocala FL

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking a community-focused storyteller to cover high school sports in Ocala, Florida. The successful candidate will create engaging content that informs and entertains specific audiences and will utilize metrics to enhance outreach and connection with the community.

A degree in journalism or communications, previous reporting experience, and proficiency with social media are essential for this role. The position requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Previous reporting experience preferred, especially in sports.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Create storytelling that engages specific audiences using metrics.
• Work toward becoming the leading voice in high school sports.
• Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Proficiency on social media platforms

Ability to multitask

Strong writing, spelling, and grammar skills

AI and automation literacy

Education

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

Tools

Mobile device for shooting and editing photos and videos

Job description

Overview

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company dedicated to empowering communities through journalism and digital marketing solutions. The Ocala Star Banner, part of the USA TODAY Network, publishes local news and covers high school sports in Central Florida.

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

• 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.
• AI and automation literacy and experience, and willingness to use it to enhance journalism.
• 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 building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. Prepare a single PDF document that includes the following, in this order:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3‑6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or helped produce that best reflects your capabilities in this role.

Equal Opportunity

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, genetic characteristics, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable laws. We will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities or religious needs. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed after submission.