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Role Description

USA TODAY Sports is looking for a versatile and energetic soccer writer to play a crucial role on our breaking news team. The ideal candidate should have a firm understanding of how to anticipate and deliver on audience needs at the speed of news, using on- and off-platform strategies and strong reporting instincts to maximize reach.

• Publishing stories at the speed of news and quickly reporting them forward to serve reader needs.
• Complete and relentless surveillance of news in the sports world, including how to use Google Trends to identify existing stories and/or missed opportunities.
• Build a rolodex of sources and contacts to strengthen news delivery and quality.
• Master best practices for maximum reach on search and commit to getting content to top of Google carousels.
• Contribute to strategies on- and off-platform, including podcasts, vodcasts and vertical video.
• Pristine communication to keep the workflow rolling and counter the difficulties of working remotely.
• Tracking story performance and being comfortable in an environment of constant adjustment to reach performance goals.
• Contribute to any evolving USA TODAY Sports strategy, vertical or initiative as needed.

Qualifications

• College degree in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years’ experience as a sports journalist, with focus on fast-paced digital content production and multimedia expertise.
• Strong reporting instincts and proven ability to break news.
• Strong ability to self-start, survey sports landscape and react.
• A history of collaboration, innovation and goal achievement.
• Proven ability to maximize readership by anticipating news, researching trends and delivering in a variety of story formats.
• Excellent communication and time-management skills.
• Understanding of various news and information content management systems.
• Approachability, personal charisma and a commitment to staff.
• Knowledge of the changing sports media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
• Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.

Requirements

• The ability to work evenings and weekends is expected.
• This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii.
• Strong online communication skills are mandatory.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

Compensation

The hourly rate for this role will range between $24.28 and $37.94. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.