Job Description

Sports Columnist

The Florida Times-Union/Jacksonville.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a sports columnist to join our team. The Jacksonville market provides a robust opportunity to speak to passionate football fans, both in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and college football, with both Florida and Florida State sharing large footprints in the market, and the columnist role here will become the preeminent voice for that audience in a town thirsty for a lead personality. This position will be counted upon to become the top audience driver for the sports department with the proper focus on digital-first approaches and more churn. Our sports columnist will write insightful and provocative commentary about these teams with a fan-first approach. Our ideal candidate will have a proven record of sparking conversation and will be the strongest brand representative for the department and will become a leader in audience engagement and subscription. The position requires strong writing and reporting skills. Your ability to network and build sources throughout the community will be a crucial asset. Column writing experience and a sports reporting background are key requirements for this job. You'll also be expected to have a digital-first approach to engage our audience on all platforms. Experience with podcasting and being on video are preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Produce daily/weekly content that engages our audience around collegiate and professional sports.
• Lead the conversation around our region's biggest sports teams.
• Engage with readers through mailbags and live chats.
• Works across the room to add depth and breadth to reporting around local sports teams.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism, related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Column writing and sports reporting experience.
• Minimum of 10 years in the industry.
• Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer background check.

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.

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee's race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals' application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs