Staff Writer, For The Win
Req #38086
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Staff Writer - For The Win
For The Win, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a leading voice for USA TODAY’s social sports website, For The Win.
The candidate should feel comfortable at the intersection of sports and internet and ready to react to the day’s news with a mixture of blog posts, columns, listicles, photo galleries and other story formats. A digital native, the candidate would constantly be exploring new ways to share content with our audience, both on platform and off.
We want someone who can be creative, write in a conversational style and deliver sharp headlines. SEO experience and a strong social media presence are a plus.
While expertise in one sport is great, we want someone who is interested in a little bit of everything and doesn’t fear writing on a variety of topics. The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight, as well as the ability to identify stories that fit our audience. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial.
This person can juggle a high volume of stories on a daily basis with aplomb while optimizing each post for a digital audience.
This role can work remote from any US state, except for Alaska and Hawaii.
Responsibilities:
• Write quickly and clearly, with voice.
• Deliver sports and culture news via stories, video, newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other methods available to reach our audience.
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape beat strategies. This includes being adept at SEO.
• Identify top sports stories of the day based on analytics and audience potential.
• Work with editors to experiment with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and alternate story forms. This includes experimenting with long-tail (evergreen) content.
• A self-starter who is eager to take the lead on new coverage areas, as well as ambitious projects to grow our brand.
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2-3 years’ digital journalism experience, preferred.
• Able to file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
• Passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations. Also comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understand reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excel in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
• Collaborate well with others and can work with a team – including teammates and colleagues who are remote.
• Open to off-typical schedules, including the possibility of early mornings, late nights and/or weekend work. Able to be flexible as needed.
• Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer background check.
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:
1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 work samples. Show us what you’ve written, produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do.
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.
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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $42,188 and $99,188. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.
Other details
- Job Family Media
- Job Function Content Production
- Pay Type Salary
- Required Education Equivalent Experience