Soccer/Breaking News Writer

USA TODAY Sports is looking for a versatile and energetic soccer writer to play a crucial role on our breaking news team. The ideal candidate should have a firm understanding of how to anticipate and deliver on audience needs at the speed of news, using on- and off-platform strategies and strong reporting instincts to maximize reach. This candidate should have advanced knowledge of global soccer scene and general knowledge of all sports. Experience using Google Trends to identify and prioritize stories to pursue for our audience is a must. The ability to work evenings and weekends is expected. USA TODAY Co. is the nation’s largest news media organization, consisting of more than 230 properties, including USA TODAY. The candidate will work collaboratively with fast-moving teams across the enterprise to help achieve the company’s goal of becoming the dominant sports news source in the country. This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii. Strong online communication skills are mandatory. Responsibilities: Publishing stories at the speed of news and quickly reporting them forward to serve reader needs.  Complete and relentless surveillance of news in the sports world, including how to use Google Trends to identify existing stories and/or missed opportunities. Build a rolodex of sources and contacts to strengthen news delivery and quality.  Master best practices for maximum reach on search and commit to getting content to top of Google carousels.  Contribute to strategies on- and off-platform, including podcasts, vodcasts and vertical video.  Pristine communication to keep the workflow rolling and counter the difficulties of working remotely. Tracking story performance and being comfortable in an environment of constant adjustment to reach performance goals. Contribute to any evolving USA TODAY Sports strategy, vertical or initiative as needed.  Requirements: College degree in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 3+ years’ experience as a sports journalist, with focus on fast-paced digital content production and multimedia expertise. Strong reporting instincts and proven ability to break news.  Strong ability to self-start, survey sports landscape and react.  A history of collaboration, innovation and goal achievement. Proven ability to maximize readership by anticipating news, researching trends and delivering in a variety of story formats. Excellent communication and time-management skills. Understanding of various news and information content management systems. Approachability, personal charisma and a commitment to staff. Knowledge of the changing sports media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires. Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity. 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 how you would approach the job. 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. #Newsgnt #LI-NC1#LI-Remote The hourly rate for this role will range between $24.28 and $37.94. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.