Sports AI Technical Expert

The
USA TODAY NETWORK is seeking a
Sports AI Technical Expert with a strong background in data automation, AI tools and troubleshooting. Experience with machine-learning engineering or software development is ideal.

This role is perfect for someone raring to be part of a cutting-edge digital news team that blends human reporting with AI technical expertise to storify data, automate content and create reader experiences without losing sight of quality and the enduring responsibility to form connections to the communities we serve.

The successful candidate will use AI tools to help usher the nation's largest media chain into the future by using machine learning to create readership growth and retention within the nation's largest newspaper chain.

This fully remote position can be based anywhere in the continental United States.

The USA TODAY Network believes in the lasting role of human journalists and is committed to harnessing technology that builds on our commitment to help those journalists serve readers better than any media company in the world. AI tools create time and resources for journalists to focus on the irreplaceable work of interviewing, beat development and watchdogging the powerful.

As a Sports AI Technical Expert, you will help engineer automated content feeds and reader experiences using proprietary data or data from partner APIs. The successful candidate will be instrumental in mentoring AI-assisted sports reporters, providing guidance and support. Most importantly, the candidate will articulate the technical language of this role to content partners and envision future use cases for AI tools as needed.

The candidate will have basic journalism and phone/videoconference interview skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. On some days, this job requires working directly with content and tools - turning around multiple stories a day to keep sports readers informed. On other days, the job will focus on ideating, experimentation, product testing, troubleshooting, mentoring and acting as a liaison to senior leaders or technical partners. Strong organizational skills are required.

This job is part of the USA TODAY Network, which includes Sports Media Group, more than 250 local newsrooms and USA TODAY.

This position is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii.

Responsibilities:

• Work alongside AI Sports Editor to engineer AI-backed content experiences, storify and gamify data, and generate content automation templates.
• Have a strong knowledge of automation and technical tools, with the ability to troubleshoot and provide clarity to others on issues or obstacles as they arise.
• Should be familiar with the major LLMs and the field of generative AI, and be up to date with the risks, benefits and latest advances.
• Utilize AI tools to generate and enhance content, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and high journalistic standards.
• Be comfortable mining for and organizing clean data.
• Collaborate with editors, data journalists, and other team members to ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Continuously learn and implement new strategies for using AI tools to enhance reporting efficiency and productivity.
• Assist fellow reporters with data brainstorming, acquisition, cleaning, integrity-checking, and analysis.
• Maintain the highest standard of journalistic integrity and ethical reporting.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of journalistic principles, media law, and SEO practices.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, data science, computer science or a related field. Equivalent work experience welcomed.
• Two to three years of newsroom experience, preferably in data journalism, software development or machine-learning initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead others, whether or not it was your job title.
• Strong understanding of journalistic principles, practices, and media law.
• Proficiency in AI tools and data automation technologies.
• Excellent writing, editing, and ideation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and an understanding of statistics.
• Good interpersonal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• A proactive, self-motivated attitude with a commitment to continuous improvement.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with AI technology in a journalistic setting.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• The chance to be at the forefront of the evolving media landscape.

Working Conditions:

• News often requires employees to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
• This role is perfect for someone passionate about journalism and technology, ready to lead and innovate in the evolving media landscape. If you have the skills and experience, we encourage you to apply!

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:

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.

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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $70,000.00 and $140,300.00. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.

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