Breaking & Trending Sports Reporter

The Columbus Dispatch is seeking a digital-first breaking and trending sports reporter to be part of our sports team, finding and reporting on the top news of the day, especially Ohio State University sports and recruiting.

The breaking and trending reporter will seek out stories that will resonate with our audiences using the latest in trends, metrics and social tools. This person should be able to write in a variety of styles, especially conversational, and deliver sharp headlines. A great breaking and trending reporter can report on a variety of topics and has an insatiable curiosity. The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and strong news judgment. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. This person can juggle stories while staying focused on the digital details of story production: headlines, SEO, multimedia assets and other points of optimization. This reporter will chase spot news, business, and entertainment stories, as well as features about topics already trending online or based on online conversations.

The Columbus Dispatch is one of the largest newsrooms in the USA TODAY Network located in Ohio's rapidly growing capital city. We're home to a vibrant local sports scene with Division I college sports, and NHL team, 3-time MLS Cup Champions and robust high school sports.

Responsibilities:

• Report quickly, clearly and accurately.
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape strategies. This includes being adept at SEO.
• Identify top trending stories of the day, based on analytics and audience potential, specific to attracting search and social audiences.
• Work with editors to experiment with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and alternate story forms. This includes experimenting with long-tail (evergreen) content.
• Monitor real-time news and sniff out the most important and fascinating stories important to our audiences.
• Demonstrate fast news judgment on an ongoing basis.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more years of journalism experience.
• Experience using social media accounts to identify stories is a plus.
• Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer background check.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

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.

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