Duke University Sports Beat Writer

The Fayetteville Observer, part of the USA TODAY Network, is looking for a motivated self-starter to be part of a two-person team covering ACC athletics in North Carolina, with a primary focus on Duke athletics with an emphasis on basketball.

As a national brand with a competitive press corps, breaking new ground on the Duke basketball beat is obviously not easy. So we're seeking someone who is ambitious, can find news and not just follow the crowd. If you can do those things, thanks to the patience and persistence to build quality sources, this opening is for you.

We want someone who will create a following on the beat by writing with voice and authority and not be afraid of alternatives story paths - through both writing style and dissemination on traditional news sites and through social media. This reporter also will be comfortable using metrics to understand the kinds of enterprise and day-to-day content that is gaining positive reader response.

The right candidate will work in tandem with our UNC beat reporter to provide content as needed around NC State and, occasionally, Wake Forest.

This reporter is expected to live in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States. It frequently hosts musical acts big and small to a variety of sizes of venues, has a top-level food and beverage scene among the three cities and boundless outdoor opportunities.

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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