South Carolina Sports Reporter

USA TODAY Co. • Columbia, SC

2d

About The Position

GreenvilleOnline.com/The Greenville News is seeking a dynamic sports reporter to cover South Carolina athletics in a highly competitive market. The reporter will be based in Columbia, South Carolina, and should be able to develop sources, drive storytelling, and adapt written beat coverage based on audience tendencies and metrics. The role is part of the USA TODAY Network’s South Region and a collaborative college team working across markets to achieve strong results.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter and collaborative teammate who is committed to improving coverage, building an audience, and becoming a leading voice in their area of expertise. The reporter will connect with the community through storytelling and outreach, provide thoughtful analysis, and work with regional sports leadership and the content team to meet audience needs across available formats.

Applicants should submit a single PDF containing, in order, a one- to two-page resume, a cover letter explaining their approach to the role, and links to three to six online work samples.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; a degree is preferred.
• Strong digital skills.
• Ability to develop strong sources and produce content across social media, mobile, desktop, video, television, and print.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment, and headline-writing ability.
• Ability to multitask and perform 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.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Nice To Haves

• College or other high-level sports beat experience.

Responsibilities

• Understand how to grow subscriptions through topic selection, timeliness, and storytelling.
• Become a leading voice in the reporter’s area of expertise.
• Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach, including social media and on-camera work.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work with the region sports director and deputy region sports directors to evaluate performance metrics and develop plans that better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with the content team to provide appropriate story elements, including photos, videos, and graphics.
• Capture basic photos and video as needed.
• Promote personal, colleague, and institutional brands.
• Provide customer service by helping readers find answers and solutions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level