Director Iii, Sports

Nexstar Media Group's WCIA in Champaign has a rare Sports Director opening to lead coverage of Your Illini Nation. It's the perfect time to consider this opportunity as we gear up for fall football season. We're looking for a passionate leader for our sports department of three. Our Sports Director coordinates coverage of the Illini football and basketball seasons. Our coverage doesn't stop when the games are over. Immediately following those games, you'll host our WCIA 3 in 1 Podcast, lining up guests to bring exclusive coverage to our viewers. Your strong organizational skills will come in handy for travel planning as our commitment includes covering Illini games on the road.

The excitement and high school sports following builds with our Friday Football Fever and Full Court Friday specials. You'll be producing those specials, outlining the game plan to bring viewers the most coverage we can of Central Illinois teams.

The right candidate will have prior experience in a sports reporter role at a television station. This is not an entry-level position. Be sure to include a reel with your application so we can see the energy and passion you would bring to Your Illini Nation.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Report sports stories for broadcast and our digital platforms

• Shoot video for use in broadcasts or for other sports reporters to use in stories

• Arrange and conduct interviews, shoot video, edit packages and VO/SOTs

• Utilize solid sports knowledge to research topics, vet tips for credibility and relevance, gather information for broadcast and digital publication

• Review copy for accuracy, style, proper grammar, and punctuation, following editorial direction and guidelines

• Pitch stories of interest to a diverse audience, while also understanding the importance of the target demographic

• Promote teamwork, bring a positive attitude and collaborate with station personnel from management, producers and assignment editors, plus sports team colleagues

• Interact professionally with viewers/users on social media platforms to build engagement and brand

• Build a network of sources to enable Your Illini Nation to break stories and continue to lead the market

• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned, including attendance at public events and community service initiatives

Requirements & Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience

• Fluency in English

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to ad lib when required

• Minimum of two years' experience shooting sports video and on-air reporting

• Engaging and dynamic on-air presence

• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Social media expertise

• Knowledge of current newsgathering technology, including video cameras, editing equipment and newsroom computer systems

• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record

• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including nights and weekends, as sports content needs dictate

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