Pittsburgh Sports Writer

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USA TODAY Sports is seeking a seasoned writer to cover Pittsburgh sports and deliver impactful, essential journalism with modern techniques across multiple platforms. 

We need a self-starter who has the stamina and vigor to attack the biggest story of the day in a sports-crazed city. That means identifying what moves the needle for Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and colleges audiences, along with the best stories in high school sports. 

The ideal candidate will balance urgent delivery of breaking news with thoughtful analysis and deeply reported enterprise to become a mandatory source for Pittsburgh sports news.

Comfort appearing on camera to concisely analyze the news is a must, including vertical video. Expertise of the players and personalities who drive interest is a necessity to cover Pittsburgh sports. 

USA TODAY Sports is the flagship sports brand within USA TODAY Co., the nation’s largest news media organization, consisting of more than 250 properties. The candidate will work collaboratively with fast-moving teams across the enterprise to achieve the company’s goal of becoming the dominant sports news and information destination in the country. 

This is a remote salaried position, based in Pittsburgh, with competitive benefits and pay. 

Responsibilities:

• Create smart, thoughtful, engaging, content in a variety of formats to rapidly grow audience on USA TODAY and other network sites.
• Master best practices for maximum reach on search / social and commit to getting content to top of Google carousels.
• Stay on front lines of what's buzzing in Pittsburgh sports and react quickly to trending topics.
• Engage readers every day, including written, video and social media content.
• Track performance metrics and adapt strategies to meet tough but achievable goals. 
• Display creativity in everything, including daily content, SEO-optimized headlines and fun social content and videos. 
• Embrace the challenge of competing in a fast-moving news environment to deliver exclusive information.

Requirements:

• Reside in Pittsburgh. 
• College degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years’ experience as a sports journalist, with focus on fast-paced digital content production and multimedia expertise.
• Understanding of various news and information content management systems.
• A history of collaboration, innovation and goal achievement.
• Proven ability of maximizing readership by anticipating news, researching trends and delivering news in a variety of story forms. 
• Exceptional social media and engagement skills.
• Ability to write with accuracy and precision.
• Excellent communication and time-management skills.
• Approachability, personal charisma and a commitment to staff.
• Understanding of the changing sports media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
• Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.

Application Instructions 

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.

The annualized base salary for this role will range between $55,500 and $86,719.  Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.