The Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a dynamic self-starter to help cover Florida State athletics.
This reporter will be comfortable using audience metrics to understand how to shape strategy and evolve coverage, leveraging those instincts to develop enterprise and watchdog stories our readers want. Strong writing chops are a must. The right candidate can't be shy building relationships with players, coaches, parents and fans, and will tap into those sources to break news and find compelling human-interest stories.
We want someone who is ambitious. We want someone who will own the beat by writing with voice and authority -- both in stories and on social media. We want someone who's interested in experimenting with different media and formats.
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Here's a little more about us:
Tallahassee is located in the Panhandle of Florida, 20 miles away from the Gulf of Mexico to the south and from the Georgia state line to the north. It is the Sunshine State's capital city, home to state government, three colleges in Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College. It is also known for its rolling hills and closeknit community. Looking for a quick getaway? Tallahassee is four hours away from Atlanta, Orlando and Tampa and three from Jacksonville and Pensacola.
Responsibilities:
- Create storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
- Work toward becoming the community's leading voice of expertise in college sports, with some contributions to high-level high school coverage.
- Connect with the community 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:
- Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Previous reporting experience preferred; even better if you've covered sports.
- 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; familiarity with AP style.
- Ability to work some nights and weekends.
- Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.
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:
- 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 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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