Sports Reporter - Las Cruces (N.M.) Sun-News

This was my position from 2014-18. DM me for any questions on the position and the Las Cruces area. Great opportunity to a cover a solid mid-major men's basketball program.

Job opportunity at Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK - Sports Reporter

Sports Reporter

The Las Cruces Sun-Newslcsun-news.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a hard-working, video-capable journalist to cover sports in southern New Mexico.

We’re looking for someone who’s comfortable capturing on video the moment from the game that has everyone talking on Friday night and then summarizing each team's chances of winning a district title for the Saturday folo. We want someone that knows when to play hardball to hold coaches and players accountable and knows when to give the fans what they want with a fun feature on the player of the week. Knowing how to build a following on social media is critical.

Pairing narrative and visual and/or audio journalism extends across multiple platforms — print, online and social media. We value your storytelling ability — whether it's in a tweet, a podcast or a 1,500-word Sunday centerpiece.

This digital journalist should expect to use all the visual and interactive storytelling tools available at the Sun-News. Spanish fluency is a plus.

The Sun-News, part of The USA TODAY Network, pays competitive salary and excellent benefits.

This reporting position will get to cover New Mexico State University, a Division I team sporting one of the nation's most consistently successful men's basketball programs. This position will primarily focus on high school football and NMSU basketball, though covering other sports will be essential.

Las Cruces is known as Title Town in New Mexico high school football, having produced many state champions in recent years. Doña Ana County, the second largest in New Mexico, is home to six big high schools and several small schools. The area produces several state championship-caliber teams and many more intriguing stories.

Responsibilities:
* Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms using metrics.

• Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.
• Connects with the community through storytelling.
• Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Works with content coach and digital partners to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborates with photographers to provide all appropriate elements for stories. Captures basic photos and video as needed.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years’ previous reporting experience preferred; even better if you've covered sports
• Proven experience aggregating content and producing quick write-ups based on trending topics in sports. Presents a quick, conversational writing style that resonates with mobile and social audiences.
• Advanced knowledge of social media and customer feedback tools, including how to respond to and engage customers on digital platforms in the public space.
• Deep understanding of and curiosity about competition for our audience’s time and money.
• Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit.
• Energetic self-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.
• Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.
• Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This position involves an early start to the day and occasional weekend work.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Pre-employment background check and urinalysis drug screen required.

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 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.