SPORTS EDITOR

Woodward Communications•Dyersville, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sports Editor plans, coordinates, and oversees sports coverage for assigned publications and digital platforms. The role assigns, edits, and manages sports and feature content created by staff, freelancers, and contributors, and also writes stories for print and digital publication. It provides coverage of local sports programs, events, and activities according to news value and audience interest. The position captures and edits photographs and video, uploads and manages digital content, and ensures that published material is accurate, timely, engaging, and consistent with journalistic standards and AP style. It develops relationships with coaches, athletic directors, student-athletes, schools, and community contacts; monitors local sports news and events; and coordinates staff schedules and assignments to ensure effective coverage. The Sports Editor manages deadlines and multiple assignments, assists with editorial policies and standards, represents the company professionally in its communities, and supports customer service, company initiatives, and the Great Game of Business. The role also requires adherence to workplace safety, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance requirements. It involves frequent travel, varied schedules that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, and work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Sports Media, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Strong writing, editing, interviewing, proofreading, and storytelling skills.
Working knowledge of AP style and journalistic ethics.
Experience with photography, videography, and digital content publishing.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Proficiency with content management systems, digital publishing platforms, and standard business software applications.
Valid driver's license and compliance with company driving eligibility requirements, including proof of auto insurance.
Demonstrated alignment with company core values and ESOP culture.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and varied schedules as sports coverage requires.
Ability to lift and carry equipment or materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Two years of newspaper, sports media, communications, or related experience.
Knowledge of local sports, athletic programs, and community activities.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and oversee sports coverage for assigned publications and digital platforms.
Assign, edit, and manage sports and feature content produced by staff, freelancers, and contributors.
Write sports and feature stories for print and digital publication.
Provide coverage of local sports programs, events, and activities based on news value and audience interest.
Capture and edit photographs and video to support sports and feature coverage.
Upload and manage sports content, photographs, and video on company websites and digital platforms.
Ensure content is accurate, timely, engaging, and consistent with journalistic standards and AP style.
Edit content for accuracy, fairness, clarity, and relevance.
Develop and maintain relationships with coaches, athletic directors, student-athletes, schools, and community contacts.
Monitor local sports news, trends, and events to identify coverage opportunities.
Coordinate staff schedules and assignments to ensure effective coverage of sporting events.
Meet established deadlines while managing multiple projects and assignments.
Assist in developing and implementing editorial policies, standards, and best practices.
Represent the company and its publications professionally within the communities served.
Maintain a strong commitment to internal and external customer service.
Participate in the Great Game of Business and support company initiatives.
Adhere to company safety standards, including workplace safety, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.