Sports Reporter

Forum Communications Company • Saint Cloud, MN

3d • $45,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

St. Cloud Live is seeking a Sports Reporter to join their team. This role is responsible for news gathering within the sports department, focusing on building a loyal and engaged audience across various platforms. The primary focus will be on covering the Division I St. Cloud State men's hockey team and writing features for other St. Cloud State athletic programs. Additionally, the position will contribute to prep sports coverage, including leading local prep hockey coverage, writing features, and occasionally covering events and games.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Mass Communications preferred, or equivalent reporting/writing experience.
• Previous writing experience for a newspaper, website, magazine, or specialty publication preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a solid grasp of AP style.
• Photography and basic photo editing experience preferred, with the ability to capture and select compelling visuals.
• Demonstrated passion for sports, with a deep knowledge of high school, college, and regional athletics.
• Understanding of the important role sports play in local communities, including their impact on school spirit, identity, and community connection.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with coaches, athletes, and other community members.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify compelling story angles that resonate with local audiences.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and organize multiple assignments, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed, based on sports schedules and coverage needs.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by the company.
• Must carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

Nice To Haves

• Photography and basic photo editing experience
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools

Responsibilities

• Research, report, and write compelling stories on assigned teams, games, athletes, and sports-related topics.
• Provide consistent coverage of high school and college athletics, including game features, feature stories and using video for spotlight interviews.
• Generate original story ideas that drive audience engagement, digital subscriptions, and readership growth.
• Determine story angles, conduct interviews, and produce accurate, timely content aligned with editorial standards for both print and digital platforms.
• Respond quickly to breaking news by gathering information, writing stories, and producing photos or multimedia content under tight deadlines.
• Publish content efficiently and accurately using digital content management systems and website platforms.
• Create engaging multimedia elements (photos, videos, social posts) to enhance storytelling and expand digital reach.
• Promote content across social media channels to increase visibility, audience interaction, and brand loyalty.
• Collaborate with editors, photographers, and others across departments and locations to produce high-quality, cohesive coverage.
• Contribute to broader sports and outdoors coverage as needed, adapting to seasonal and regional priorities.
• Maintain strong news judgment and uphold journalistic integrity, accuracy, and AP style standards.
• Build relationships with coaches, athletes, and community members to support ongoing coverage and source development.
• Monitor sports trends, analytics, and audience insights to inform content strategy and improve performance.
• Support and contribute to ongoing digital initiatives aimed at growing audience engagement and subscriptions.
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree