Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Sports reporter - Iowa Football beat

Responsibilities:

• Strong understanding of putting complex topics into context and writing clearly and concisely. Tracks trends within Iowa football and the university athletics department and develops and cultivates sources (i.e. people, records, databases, etc.).
• Attention to detail: must be accurate, thorough when sourcing and reporting stories.
• Covering Iowa football games (home and away), attending news conferences and other relevant events.
• Develops sources within recruiting circles and follow Iowa football recruits with stories, video and updates when needed.
• Writes with unique and strong voice that differentiates us from a crowded competitive landscape.
• Ability to tell rich feature stories through deep reporting; goes far beyond surface stories
• During offseason, working on enterprise stories within the program and athletics department.
• Develops stories which are relevant to audience, with emphasis on authoritative enterprise stories that set an agenda, examine trends or provides in-depth analysis.
• Utilizes the explainer format of reporting, as well as other alternative formats (i.e. series, charticles/alt forms as well as video or shorts).
• Ability to write and develop content and provide analysis for multiple platforms.
• Looks to connect with audience in variety of ways including newsletters, podcast, etc.
• Deep knowledge of audience needs and ongoing willingness to satisfy the needs.
• Utilizes digital reporting tools to tell stories outside of the traditional article format. In addition to audio (podcasts) and video and other emerging tools.
• Utilizes social media tools and crowdsourcing to identify potential sources, spot trends as well as continue engagement with audience.
• Can shoot video and still pictures as necessary while gathering proper facts and details. Can perform basic video editing and web publishing. Effectively communicates with visual team when added level of photos/videos is required.
• Strong understanding and regular utilization of open records requests.
• Can gather and edit audio recordings, participates in podcasts and other radio/television opportunities.
• Sets annual goals to add or improve skills. Keeps up on current events. Attends training sessions. Assists with finding ways to implement new technology.
• Adheres to all professional and company policies and ethical standards.
• Work with newsroom leaders with others to achieve news operation and companywide goals for digital content and audience growth.
• Ability to work on multiple projects with differing and often tight deadlines
• Provides timely and exceptional customer service to the audience, other departments. Promotes a positive public and work relationship; is responsive to audience questions and complaints.
• Actively participates in departmental planning and employee meetings; attends marketing events and maintains visibility in the community.

Job skills & attributes: Ideal candidate will be a flexible, inquisitive, self-motivated, creative go-getter and problem solver who works collaboratively on a team and has excellent communication and team building skills. Candidate must be a strong writer with high production and who works well under pressure. The Iowa football beat writer is highly organized, a confident decision maker and committed to ongoing improvement and coaching. Candidate must be attentive to detail and thrive in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment. Must have strong understanding of digital storytelling and social media skills and their applications.

Minimum Requirements: Undergraduate degree in journalism, English or related course of study. Must have valid driver's license and history of safe driving habits. Candidate must demonstrate ability to work quickly and accurately and must have ideas on how to present news in an ever-changing media landscape. Should have strong knowledge of NCAA and knowledge of college football and related issues. Strong knowledge of college athletic regulatory and business issues preferred. Must have knowledge of communications law and journalism ethics. Approximately 2 to 3 years of experience in a multimedia newsroom is required.

EOE. Pre-Employment drug screen, motor vehicle and background checks required.

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