The Buffalo News seeks an aggressive reporter with an ability to tell great stories to serve as Sports Enterprise writer.
The ideal candidate will be able to go behind the news and newsmakers of the day by identifying smart, informative and innovative stories and executing them. The writer needs to be passionate about storytelling and demonstrate strong news judgment and initiative.
The writer needs to be skilled in building and working sources as well as developing and reporting context-filled new angles on trending topics. Being versatile enough to write a news analysis or a lengthy takeout or a column backed by reporting is a key component.
Given that the Bills are a high-interest topic in the market, a significant part of the position involves Bills/NFL enterprise. NFL experience is preferred but not required. The position also provides the freedom to write the best stories the reporter can find and wants to tell on virtually any topic from youth sports to high schools to colleges to the pros.
The Buffalo News has won 15 APSE Top 10 honors in the last two years, including for daily, Sunday and special sections and projects in 2020 and daily, Sunday, projects and event coverage in 2021.
Among the key responsibilities and traits for the position:
- Identify stories with high audience potential and reach.
- Report stories using interviews, documents and data, social media and original research.
- Collaborate with beat writers and other colleagues in photo, social media, digital production and excel when working as a team.
- Have a sense of curiosity that informs your reporting in new and unique ways beyond the usual institutional voices.
- Manage your time well and be able juggle responsibilities.
- Be comfortable using social media and engaging with readers.
- Write clean, clear and accurate copy.
The Buffalo News is an award-winning news organization with the largest staff of journalists in upstate New York. It has a history of breaking the area’s big stories and investing in the stories that matter. It strives to hire talented and dedicated people who reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
The News offers an extensive benefits program that can be personalized to your needs, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, company-provided life insurance and supplemental life insurance. The News also offers generous paid time off to allow the flexibility to balance personal life and work. This includes paid parental leave for new parents. It respects and celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. People of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
Why Buffalo? The region is a lot more than chicken wings and snow. The city has seen a resurgence that makes it an exciting time to work and live there. Aside from professional sports teams, the city has a philharmonic, a growing waterfront, a burgeoning medical campus and plenty of attitude. Not to mention Niagara Falls, beautiful hikes and ski slopes all within a short drive.
Interested candidates should email a resume, a letter outlining how you will manage your duties and writing samples that show the scope of your work to Executive Sports Editor Josh Barnett at jbarnett@buffnews.com.
