Reporter, College

Sports Business Journal is a globally recognized brand that is the go-to news and networking source for thousands of sports business professionals.

Producing breaking content every day, hosting over 20 events a year, and offering extensive industry resources to thousands of subscribers, the task representing this portfolio of products is an important one.

Role & Responsibilities

The Staff Writer will own their beat(s) by building a deep national source network that consistently delivers exclusive news and insights, reinforcing Sports Business Journal’s position as the industry’s most trusted publication. Leveraging reporting across print, digital, video, social and other platforms, the writer will create compelling content that differentiates both SBJ and their coverage in a competitive media landscape.

This role covers the people, money, organizations and forces reshaping college athletics, with a particular focus on the business of major college football. The ideal candidate will cultivate sources among athletic department leaders, conference executives, university leadership, media executives, agencies, attorneys, investors, consultants, brands, athlete representatives and policymakers.

Strong journalistic fundamentals, including source development, interviewing, reporting, writing and analysis, are essential, along with the ability to identify emerging trends and understand the organizations and individuals driving industry change.

The writer will contribute original reporting to SBJ’s daily and weekly products, own a weekly email newsletter, and collaborate closely with editors and colleagues to shape short- and long-term coverage strategies. Strong communication and teamwork skills are required. Participation in podcasts, videos, SBJ conferences and other events may also be expected.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities, work schedules and/or location may change based on evolving business needs.

• Regularly break news and identify newsworthy events and sources
• Work on breaking news, trends, analysis and long-form pieces for SBJ
• Continually grow network of sources
• Work closely with Executive Editor and conference group on the planning and strategy around SBJ events
• Reporters will be expected to facilitate/moderate at SBJ events and must be comfortable in taking a leading role in the community. 
• Work collaboratively with editors, social media, video team and others to maximize the impact and accessibility of stories
• Be able to write compelling and informative feature stories multiple times per year and to contribute to multi-writer packages that arise as needed
• Contribute multiple stories per week to SBJ’s digital products
• Take on any other assignment made by manager(s). 
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all colleagues and professionally with sources. 

Required Education, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of journalism experience with a proven track record in reporting, writing and breaking news.
• Strong command of AP Style, journalistic ethics, story structure and news judgment.
• Exceptional source-building, relationship management, interviewing, investigative reporting and information-gathering skills.
• Excellent writing, analytical, creative planning, organizational and communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to identify newsworthy developments, uncover exclusive stories and leverage sources to produce differentiated content.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and perform effectively under pressure.
• Experience building, maintaining and engaging audiences across multiple platforms, including print, digital and social media.
• Demonstrated ability to use a variety of storytelling tools and platforms to maximize audience engagement.
• Knowledge of the sports business industry and experience using social media for sourcing and promoting content are preferred.
• Creative thinker with a strong understanding of emerging media trends and multi-platform content strategies.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Extensive computer use required. Some travel required, including to company headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. and to various company events across the United States. An ability to work flexible work schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays as needed, is required.

Leaders Group Holdings LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable city, state, or federal law.

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