Sports Editor
Req #25644
Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.
To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.
The Des Moines Register/desmoinesregister.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a dynamic, results-driven sports editor to lead reporters in producing compelling, impactful work that will be go-to content for our sports audience and grow digital subscriptions.
The Register sports editor directs a deputy sports editor and eight reporters who cover sports across Iowa. The Register provides blanket coverage of University of Iowa and Iowa State University sports. This position offers the unique opportunity to direct sophisticated coverage of teams competing in two of the premier leagues in college sports: the Big Ten and Big 12.
The sports editor will have the opportunity to organize coverage of tentpole events, including state high school tournaments, NCAA basketball regionals, college football bowl games and baseball games at the “Field of Dreams” movie site.
With coverage of preps as well as colleges, the editor will emphasize exclusive reporting, analysis and compelling storytelling. The ideal candidate will embrace digital innovation and experimentation with alternative story forms, multimedia, podcasts and platform-specific content. This editor will use metrics and audience research to guide decisions about covering topics and issues that will drive digital audience growth and subscriptions.
“Coach” is a defining description for this job: It requires a mentor who can help reporters improve their newsgathering and writing skills, cultivate deep sourcing and produce ever-more sophisticated work, including explanatory and investigative reports.
The job requires a problem solver who is well-organized, can work independently and exercise solid news judgment. Collaboration and teamwork skills are a must; this editor will work closely with planners, digital producers and the print Design Center.
Des Moines is a growing state capital city that is home to a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and a large community of young professionals living downtown. The Des Moines Register is a 17-time Pulitzer Prize winner that reaches readers across the state with our daily Des Moines Register editions and is gaining subscriptions to our award-winning DesMoinesRegister.com website and affiliated apps.
Responsibilities:
- Help reporters hone skills in a wide range of reporting and storytelling.
- Use metrics and analytics to increase digital audience and engagement and grow digital subscriptions.
- Be a teacher, not just an editor. After all, everyone needs a coach.
- Be courageous about experimentation.
- Be a team player who likes to collaborate with coworkers.
- Serve as an ambassador to the community on the Register’s behalf.
- Apply innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5 years of experience in sportswriting, editing or management roles and demonstration of strong editing skills.
- Solid news judgment.
- Top-notch planning, organizational and time management skills.
- Understanding of metrics, social-media and SEO.
- Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
- Self-motivation and self-direction.
- Ability to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
- 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:
- Your resume – one to two pages.
- A cover letter that addresses your vision for this role.
- 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.
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Other details
- Job Family Editors of Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Salary
- Required Education Equivalent Experience