The Register-Guard, a 60,000-circulation morning daily in Eugene, Ore., is seeking to hire a lead sports columnist to carry on a tradition of providing a strong voice to readers. This is a high-profile, high-impact job at a respected family owned newspaper in a wonderful community. We're looking for an independent, thick-skinned, self-starting sports columnist with backbone, integrity and heart; someone who can define our section by giving readers provocative critical opinions, analysis and human insight in the newspaper, supplemented by blog postings and social media. We're looking for someone with the news instincts, competitive nature and cynical streak of an investigative reporter, and someone who will be a team player on one of the hardest-working, most unified staffs in the country. Coverage focus is University of Oregon athletics; our top priority is coverage of local sports, including major track and field meets.

At least five years of sports-writing experience for a daily newspaper and graduation from a four-year college or university required; experience as a sports columnist strongly helpful, but so is the ability to provide expert, literate, informed opinions on sports.

Salary range is $1,1125.30 to 1,239.70 per week.

Application deadline is Friday, September 28, 2012. Qualified applicants who are interested in joining a successful and respected organization should submit an application, letter, resume’ and non-returnable clips to rgjob.applications@registerguard.com or mail to: Sports Columnist, The Register-Guard, HR Dept, 3500 Chad Drive, Eugene, OR 97408

Applications are available at registerguard.com. All applicants will receive a response. No telephone inquiries, please.