Florida Gators Sports Beat Writer

The Gainesville Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network, is looking for a reporter to join our three-person department, focused on University of Florida athletics with primary beat coverage of the NCAA Division I national champion basketball team.

As beat writer, this reporter is expected to provide primary coverage of the Gators basketball program as it defends its title. This person will need to create sourcing inside and outside the athletic department to break news and provide insight and context on the ever-changing world of college basketball at one of the sport's powers.

The right candidate will also be involved in coverage of the UF football program, working with the primary beat writer. Coverage of other sports in collaboration with the Gainesville sports team will also be part of the job.

We're seeking someone who is ambitious, can find news and not just follow the crowd. We need a writer who knows his/her voice and isn't afraid of alternatives story paths, especially on social media. This reporter also will be comfortable using metrics to understand the enterprise and day-to-day content that is gaining positive reader response.

Engagement will also be important, on social media and in exploring other spaces including Reddit.

Gainesville is a college town with a vibrant culture and, located in north central Florida, within two hours of Tampa, Orlando and Daytona Beach.

Responsibilities:

• Create storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
• Connect with our readers through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.). Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work with editor and content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Capture basic photos and video as needed.
• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous sports reporting experience, including face-to-face communication with athletes and coaches.
• Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a mobile device.
• Strong communication skills, news judgement 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.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.

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 this 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.

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