The Mississippi Clarion Ledger, based in Jackson, Miss., is seeking an energetic and experienced sports reporter to cover Mississippi State athletics.
This reporter, based in Starkville, Mississippi, will lead coverage of the Bulldogs on and off the field and play a vital role within a dynamic sports news-gathering operation. The ability to attract new subscribers with breaking news, insider analysis and consistent enterprise is mandatory.
The MSU beat is highly competitive. We are looking for someone who is digitally savvy, has the sourcing to make our coverage better and wants to be part of a winning team, dedicated to producing sports content with impact, excitement and information.
MSU content will primarily appear in print and digital in Mississippi as part of the USA TODAY NETWORK South Region, in addition to USA TODAY.
Responsibilities:
·Fundamental understanding of how to grow subscriptions through topics, timeliness and storytelling.
·Commitment to becoming the leading voice in area of expertise.
·Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, podcasts, etc.)
·Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
·Works with region sports director and deputy region sports directors to evaluate what’s working use metrics to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
·Collaborates with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). 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 or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
·College or other high-level sports beat experience preferred; strong digital skills required.
·Ability to develop strong sourcing and produce content that takes advantage of all formats available to us, including social media, mobile, desktop, video, television and print.
·Proficiency on social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
·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.
·Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
·Ability to work some nights and weekends.
·Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.
·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.
