Lebanon PA Sports Reporter

The Lebanon Daily News, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for an energetic, enterprising reporter to cover high school and community sports in the sports-oriented community in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.

We're not looking for run-of-the mill coverage. Our readers already know the score. They want something more meaningful, and we need a reporter who can hunt down those stories.

Friday nights in the fall are big for the six high schools in our coverage area, and breaking news is important -- but enterprise stories are the heart of this beat. Interesting, well-read stories that take place off the field in and around Lebanon County are essential to success. That means meeting sources, talking with parents and getting the pulse of our community, focused on topics such as recruiting, student-athlete life, coach pay, etc.

The ideal candidate will produce an entire package - story, photos, video, podcast, etc. - or tell the story on whichever platform fits. This journalist will use analytics, search engine optimization and other tools to understand the Lebanon County audience.

A strong video and photo background is a must. This reporter will use social media channels to build a personal brand as the community's leading voice on sports in Lebanon County and the surrounding areas.

This reporter will serve readers across the state, as a part of a Pennsylvania sports team, with stories that transcend specific teams and schools. This reporter will cover news stories as seasons and needs permit and will go after breaking or trending news with urgency.

Lebanon, Pa., is located 40 minutes from Harrisburg and about a two-hour drive from Philadelphia. Hershey, and its iconic amusement park and concert venue is just a 30-minute drive. Five of the high school teams play in the Lancaster-Lebanon League, known for producing state champions. Lebanon County boasts well-known connections such as Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich and Ashley Moyer-Gleich, one of the few female refs in the NBA.

Responsibilities:

• Create storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.

• Work toward becoming the community's leading voice of expertise in high school sports.

• Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.). Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.

• Work with editor and content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to satisfy audience needs.

• Collaborate to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Capture basic photos and video as needed.

• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.

• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous reporting experience preferred; even better if you've covered sports.

• Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit.

• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a mobile device.

• Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.

• Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.

• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.

• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.

• Ability to work some nights and weekends.

• Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.

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

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.

We offer a competitive base salary and career growth opportunities. We also offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, Paid Time Off, Company Paid Holidays, employee discount program and domestic partner benefits.

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