Enterprise/Watchdog Sports Reporter

Company: Gannett
Location: Greenville
Posted on: February 14, 2020

Job Description:

Friday, January 31, 2020


Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an innovative, digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to strengthening communities across our network. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of nearly 140 million people monthly with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services. Gannett brands include the USA TODAY and more than 260 daily local newspaper brands, digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, WordStream, and ThriveHive and U.K. media company Newsquest. There's never been a better time to join our talented team. Visit Gannett.com/Careers to learn more about our opportunities, and visit Gannett Privacy Policy to understand our privacy policy.

Enterprise/Watchdog Sports Reporter

The Greenville News/greenvilleonline.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an Enterprise/Watchdog Sports Reporter to cover Clemson University for our team. This position serves a crucial role in providing the community key sports coverage for our readers.

This reporter would be a part of a two-person team that covers Clemson football. We want to own the coverage of Clemson athletics, particularly football, in our market. We are building a team that will cover Clemson University like a professional franchise: To do that, we need a watchdog/investigative reporter who can hold the most popular sports team in our region accountable during the offseason, and cover its on-field play - with analysis and digital-first reporting rather than run-of-the-mill game stories and ordinary day-to-day content.

Our audience responds to stories about Clemson football. But to get the stories that our readers really crave, we need someone who can immerse themselves in this team. We also need someone who is willing to ask the hard questions and then dig for the answers. The ideal candidate is just as comfortable filing a Freedom of Information Act request about school finances as they are talking X's and O's with the defensive coordinator.

We need a reporter who is self-motivated, ready to instantly respond to breaking news and news of the moment, highly organized and who regularly produces high-quality journalism that is tailored to the demands of the local audience. We're looking for a hard-nosed, sports-oriented news reporter, not a Clemson fan.

Responsibilities:

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  Produce insightful and exclusive enterprise content on a regular basis, filing and tracking FOIA requests regularly, focusing on but not limited to Clemson University athletics.
  
  
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  Follow the team's success and failure off the field as well as on the field. This could include recruiting, how it's spending public money, whether it's following the rules and how well coaches are equipping players to be successful both off the field and on the field.
  
  
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  Team with other beat reporters to own the market - we want to be first, we want to be best, and we want to provide content that our audience is seeking.
  
  
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  Have a strong grasp of digital reporting, including strategic use of SEO and social media both to source stories and build audience.
  
  
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  Have a solid understanding of audience habits and desires.
  
  Requirements:
  
  
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    Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    
    
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    Five years of experience in journalism field with some experience covering college athletics.
    
    
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    Expertise in the use of the Freedom of Information Act and watchdog/accountability journalism.
    
    
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    The ability to understand often complex aspects of athletics and business and to share that knowledge in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner with our readers / website visitors.
    
    
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    Should be able to work in a digitally focused, fast-paced, team environment and be able to meet deadlines.
    
    
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    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    
    
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    Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit.
    
    
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    Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.
    
    
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    Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.
    
    
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    Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.
    
    
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    Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.
    
    
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    Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
    
    
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    Nights and weekends are a must.
    
    
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    This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
    
    
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    Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check and drug screen (for driving roles only).
    
    This position offers salary in the range of $41,000 to $56,000, commensurate with experience. Work schedule is fluid, dictated by college athletic schedules and breaking news.
    
    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:
    
    1. Your resume - one to two pages.
    
    2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
    
    3. 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.
    
    #Content
    
    Here's what we have to offer:
    
    We offer a competitive base salary and career growth opportunities. We also offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, Paid Time Off, Company Paid Holidays, employee discount program and domestic partner benefits. Our 401(k) is topnotch and the contributions you make, up to the first 5% are eligible for a 100% Company match!
    
    
    
    Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation, or veteran status.
    
    Other details
    
    
    
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      Job Family
      
      Columnist and Journalist
      
      
      
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      Job Function
      
      Consumer
      
      
      
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      Pay Type
      
      Hourly
      
      
      
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      Required Education
      
      Equivalent Experience
      
      
      
      
      

Keywords: Gannett, Greenville , Enterprise/Watchdog Sports Reporter, Advertising , Greenville, South Carolina