Sports Reporter

Forum Communications Company•Dickinson, ND

19h•Onsite

About The Position

At The Dickinson Press, we offer a supportive environment and opportunities for growth in your journalism career, and have been delivering award-winning local news to Dickinson, ND and the surrounding communities since 1883. We are seeking a full-time Sports Reporter to cover a dynamic mix of high school athletics, college competition at Dickinson State University, and summer league baseball like the Badlands Big Sticks - capturing the energy of a community where sports are a central part of local identity year-round. From Friday night football and packed gymnasiums, to collegiate rivalries and growing recreational programs, this role offers the opportunity to tell meaningful stories about athletes, teams, and the impact of sports across southwestern North Dakota. The Dickinson Press is part of Forum Communications Company, a 5th-generation family-owned media company with 20+ publications across the Upper Midwest that collectively deliver local news to more than 5 million readers every month.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Mass Communications preferred, or equivalent reporting/writing experience.
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, a driving record that is insurable by the company, and carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

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 recaps, previews, and feature stories
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