High School Sports Reporter - NJ Big 6

NJ.com is seeking a dynamic and versatile reporter to join our award-winning high school sports staff as a High School Sports reporter covering the NJ Big 6 beat.

In this first-of-its-kind role, you will become the go-to voice for news, features and in-depth reporting on the six major private schools in Bergen County — Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep, St. Joseph (Mont.), St. Peter’s Prep, DePaul and Paramus Catholic. You’ll be the go-to reporter for the top recruits out of those schools, news on coaching moves and player movement. You’ll cover those schools, and their top teams, on a daily basis. When there’s news out of one of these schools, this reporter will be on top of it.

We're looking for someone with experience working in a fast-paced newsroom who is self-motivated but also open to collaboration. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in leveraging contacts and sources to break news but can also spot trends and news and react quickly and effectively.

The base salary range for this role is $65,000-$75,000 annually.

This role will require reliable transportation meet with sources and cover games and events across the state, and will include night and weekend hours.

What you'll be doing:

• Serve as the go-to voice for the biggest news involving some of New Jersey’s most prolific schools
• Break news regularly on player, coach and school movement — transfers, hirings, firings and controversies.
• Build and maintain a dedicated social presence
• Develop sources and contacts at those schools to help break news regularly 
• Produce both quick-hit news items and longer, detailed feature and enterprise stories.
• Work collaboratively with our award-winning high school sports staff.
• Engage with our audiences, as needed, on social media platforms.

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• A persistent self-starter with experience working in a fast-paced newsroom.
• Strong reporting and writing skills and a proven ability to break news.
• Deep familiarity with the New Jersey high school sports landscape.
• An ability to leverage relationships with sources to deliver high-quality, high-impact journalism.
• An ability to work remotely and independently under tight deadlines.
• A team player with a proven track record in uncovering news.