Reporter/HS Sports - Content
The Cape Cod Times, a member of The USA Today Network, seeks a motivated, curious and hardworking reporter who will play a vital part in the coverage of Cape Cod and the Islands high school sports.
This is not a position in which the reporter simply covers games. This position requires a reporter with strong storytelling skills to work the sports beat – including going to games – to find compelling human-interest stories and identify interesting trends for enterprise stories. The reporter as part of a three-person team, will cover various sports including football, basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer and more. Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are home to 17 school athletic programs.
Cape Cod is also home the Cape Cod Baseball League, the nation’s premiere college league, the prestigious Falmouth Road Race and golf tournaments.
The ideal candidate will be digitally savvy and committed to leading the conversation in a loyal local sports market. This position requires an inquisitive approach, multitasking, and the ability to write clearly on deadline.
Responsibilities
Be the area’s leading voice in high school sports.
Connect with the community through social media, and at games.
Craft coverage based on audience interest that attracts digital subscribers, page views, and brings them back to read more.
Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Self-starter with the ability to develop relationships through phone calls, text messaging and social media.
Requirements
Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
This can be an entry-level position, but 1-2 years' reporting/newsroom experience is preferred.
Strong command of grammar and AP Style.
Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
Passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.
Comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories.
Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
Able to work occasional late nights or weekends as needed by the news cycle.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen (for driving roles only).
How To Apply
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.