High School Sports Reporter

The Lafayette Journal & Courier , part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking an energetic and passionate reporter to join our sports team to create impactful stories in an area that is fully invested in high school athletics.

We cover two dozen high school athletic programs, and the audience's passion is high. While the biggest games are still important, we cover the width of the high school sports scene: Breaking news and reporting on the area's biggest names, of course, but also finding the hidden gems on and off the field. Social media savvy is required for this position, which has thrived with video and alternate styles of reporting.

This reporter will also be part of the network's statewide coverage of high school athletics and assist with reporting from Purdue University athletics, especially women's sports.

Located 40 miles north of Indianapolis and two hours from Chicago, the area boasts a variety of outdoors options with trails and parks, a host of locally owned restaurants and a diverse live music and arts scene. Split by the Wabash River, Lafayette and West Lafayette, home of Purdue University, complement and support each other.

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.

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, Tik Tok 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 a willingness or experience in using it to enhance their 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 nights and weekends.
• Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file 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 had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

We offer a competitive base salary and career growth opportunities. We also offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, Paid Time Off, Company Paid Holidays, employee discount program and domestic partner benefits.

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