This reporter, based in Tuscaloosa, will help lead coverage of the Crimson Tide on and off the field and play a vital role within a dynamic sports news-gathering operation.

The ability to break news is critical, but more importantly, it’s about understanding what moves the needle with our audience and turns casual readers into subscribers.

We are looking for someone who is digitally savvy, raring to make our coverage better and wants to be part of a winning team, dedicated to producing sports content with impact, excitement, and information.

The content will also appear in print and digital in Alabama as part of the USA TODAY NETWORK South Region, in addition to USA Today.

Responsibilities

• Fundamental understanding of how to execute tactics on growing subscriptions through headlines, topics, timeliness, and storytelling.
• Commitment toward becoming the leading voice in the area of expertise.
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.) Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Works with the regional sports director and content strategists to evaluate what’s working and what’s not and uses metrics to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborates with the content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues, and the institutional brand.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• College or other high-level sports beat experience preferred; strong digital skills required.
• Ability to develop strong sourcing and produce content that takes advantage of all formats available to us, including social media, mobile, desktop, video, television, and print.
• Proficiency on social media platforms, including but not limited to 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 excel 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.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Application Instructions

About

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.