Iowa State Cyclones Sports Columnist

The Des Moines Register, Iowa's leading news organization, has an opening for a sports columnist covering the Iowa State University Cyclones. The primary focus would be on the rising football, men's and women's basketball and men's wrestling programs, which regularly are nationally ranked and compete in the rugged Big 12.

This position requires a versatile pro with the experience to quickly weigh in on any aspect of college athletics: on-field performance, coaching, recruiting, finances, NIL arrangements, donor relations, the portal, NCAA investigations and civil and criminal litigation. Candidates should show examples of producing compelling profiles, revelatory investigations and other enterprise, including alternative story forms.

We are seeking an ambitious, fast, digitally focused writer who can quickly turn instant commentary the minute a game ends but also produce deep analysis and compelling storytelling that will keep readers coming back for more.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated and adept at growing audience through great content, deftly using social media and multimedia and promoting the Register and their own work on TV, podcasts and live radio.

The Register's Cyclones columnist should quickly become the most deeply sourced journalist covering ISU sports and recognized as the authority on the Cyclones. The columnist works closely with the Cyclones beat reporter, and while the beat reporter has primary responsibility for breaking news, the columnist is expected to jump in as needed to ensure the Register is first with any significant news. The columnist is expected to maintain a high-productivity pace, especially in season, regularly producing five or six pieces a week, including quick takes and breaking news mixed in with longer columns.

This writer is expected to be based in Ames, Des Moines or their environs, cover media availabilities in person and travel with teams as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Research, report and produce compelling content that informs and engages readers.

• Provide thoughtful, compelling analysis of ISU sporting events and its athletic programs.

• Use live video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.

• Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries, video - that are tailored to the right platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the audience.

• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least five years of sports writing or editing experience, including coverage of a major college or pro team.

• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.

• Demonstrated track record for keen news judgment, ethical decision-making and fair play.

• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

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:

• Your resume - one to two pages.

• A cover letter that outlines your interest in this role and how you would approach the job.

• Links to 7-10 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in this role.

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