Sports Reporter

The Opelika-Auburn News, a Lee Enterprises company, has an immediate opening for a sports reporter to serve as our lead basketball writer as we cover the area’s sports-loving high schools and the always interesting Auburn University.

This is a prime opportunity for a reporter to cover high school teams in a region where sports has incredible importance and to write stories on a major college sports beat for fans as passionate about their school as any in the country. Our lead basketball writer will be tasked with covering all sports at both levels around the calendar, but working alongside our sports editor and lead football writer, we are seeking a candidate who will take ownership of our basketball coverage and be our point person covering basketball.

 The high schools in East Alabama are competitive on the hardcourt and Auburn University men’s basketball has risen to national prominence in recent seasons.

 Duties include, but are not limited to:

·        Writing compelling and well-sourced feature stories on area athletes and coaches.

·        Producing a combination of daily stories and in-depth projects.

·        Keeping track of local results and what athletes are doing at this level and the next.

·        Traveling to games and to meet sources when assigned. 

·        Ensuring that photo, video and graphics are in the planning aspect of each story.

·        Writing breaking news stories for websites and social media platforms.

·        Understanding the importance of online presentation and using social media to reach a growing digital audience.

·        Working well with teammates on a three-person sports desk.

·        Adhering to all company policies.

 Qualified candidates must possess the following:

·        Be self-motivated, have good energy and a good work ethic.

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.

·        Two-to-five years of sports reporting experience preferred; coverage of a college beat is preferred, but not required.

·        Four-year degree from an accredited institution in Journalism or comparable professional experience preferred.

·        Prepared to present five writing clips; also include examples of multimedia/audio/video work.

·        Experience in investigative reporting on a sports beat, strong profiles and alternative story forms.

·        Adept at growing audience through great content.

·        Savvy with social media and multimedia.

·        Able to meet tight deadlines and travel when needed.

·        Valid Driver License with satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report.