National News Boats Reporter

USA TODAY Co.

1d•$58,000 - $90,000•Remote

About The Position

USA TODAY Network is seeking a consumer-focused Boats Reporter to lead coverage for a new national Boats hub. The reporter will create useful, compelling, audience-driven journalism for boat shoppers and buyers, recreationists, and boating enthusiasts. The role combines authoritative reporting with multimedia storytelling and helps establish the hub’s editorial identity, audience, coverage priorities, and programming across platforms. Video is central to the position. The reporter will develop original video concepts, appear on camera, and report, shoot, and produce platform-appropriate video from idea through publication. They will work with editors, visual journalists, and reporters across the USA TODAY Network to deliver timely, distinctive coverage and use audience data and performance metrics to refine topics, formats, packaging, and distribution. The position is full-time and benefits-eligible. It is remote, though candidates may also be based in a USA TODAY local market. The annualized base salary range is $58,000–$90,000; variable incentive compensation may also apply depending on the role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, education, location, and union representation, if applicable. Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check. Applicants should submit one PDF containing a resume, a cover letter describing their approach to serving the hub’s audiences, links to three to six examples of their work, and a brief description of a story or video franchise they would launch.

Requirements

Proven experience in journalism, digital media, video production, or a related content field.
Excellent reporting, writing, communication, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated experience creating original video content.
Experience shooting and producing video in field environments.
Comfort appearing on camera and conducting on-camera interviews.
Ability to manage multiple stories and formats in a fast-paced environment.
Understanding of audience strategy and digital publishing.
Genuine passion for boats, boating, and life on the water.
Strong news judgment and the ability to make boating approachable to newcomers while retaining credibility with experienced enthusiasts.
Confidence developing stories around consumer questions and real-world audience needs.
Strong video instincts and ability to identify whether ideas are best told through articles, video, social content, or a combination of formats.
Familiarity with SEO, social media best practices, and audience analytics.
Clear, concise writing that avoids unnecessary jargon.
Energetic, creative approach to building a new editorial product.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across a distributed newsroom.
Sound judgment when reporting in marinas, on boats, and around the water.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location.

Nice To Haves

Experience covering boats, outdoor recreation, travel, consumer products, or a related subject.
Demonstrated knowledge of boats and boating culture.
Experience with video editing and YouTube programming.
Experience producing product reviews, demonstrations, or comparison content.
Familiarity with consumer buying journeys, affiliate-supported content, or commerce journalism.
Knowledge of newsletter strategy and performance metrics.
Experience using audience data to identify and develop coverage opportunities.

Responsibilities

Report and write useful, engaging stories for boat shoppers, recreationists, and enthusiasts.
Develop buying guides, product comparisons, explainers, and other service journalism to help consumers make informed decisions.
Cover boating news, trends, innovations, destinations, events, and culture.
Generate original video concepts that complement the hub’s journalism and expand its reach.
Report, shoot, and produce platform-appropriate video, including on-camera segments, demonstrations, interviews, and field reporting.
Translate reporting into visual stories for YouTube, social platforms, and other video destinations.
Pitch timely ideas informed by news, seasonal interest, consumer demand, search behavior, and audience data.
Balance quick-turn coverage with enterprise reporting, features, and recurring franchises.
Create content optimized for search, social media, newsletters, video, and other audience channels.
Build and maintain relationships with boat manufacturers, dealers, industry experts, recreational organizations, boat owners, and other sources.
Collaborate with journalists across the USA TODAY Network to identify local expertise, expand coverage, and maximize reach.
Help establish the hub’s editorial voice, coverage priorities, and publishing rhythm.
Monitor performance metrics and use results to refine topics, formats, packaging, and distribution.