Diversity Pledge: Progress-Index is seeking a sports reporter

The Progress-Index/progress-index.com, in Petersburg, Virginia,part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a reporter who thrives in telling high-interest daily and enterprise stories about people connected in every way to small-city sports, as well as education.

This position is not about game-to-game coverage and box scores. Instead, this reporter will bring to light the sports personalities and events that create a sense of pride in a tight-knit community, as well as shine that same light on situations that need solutions for this majority-Black city just outside Richmond. It is an important and necessary mission that we’re undertaking.

While you will have active daily beat reporting— with scoops, breaking news and short profiles— feature and enterprise journalism will drive this beat forward. And we know how to coach writers in our region; time and attention is regularly set aside for that.

This newsroom also is deeply committed to diversity recruiting and to covering local issues in the transgender and broader LGBTQ community in Virginia. We have the resources to help you learn to do the work well, and we consider ourselves a farm team for the USA TODAY Network — with a path to building a strong career.

Responsibilities:  

• Create sports and education storytelling that accurately informs and engages our core audiences. This includes the people and events of the present day, as well as using historical context to show growth or retreat from past milestones.
• Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.). This is particularly important for area audiences that have previously been, or felt, overlooked by the media.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues, including political and organizational choices that have led to current racial, income and immigration status injustice.
• Use analytics and coaching coach to evaluate what’s working and what’s not and develop ongoing plans to increase audience satisfaction.
• Capture photos and video as needed.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 1+ years of professional experience preferred, but strong college work will be considered.
• Experience with public records is desirable. Database or computer-assisted reporting skills will set applicants apart from others.
• Speed and fluency with digital platforms and content management systems. This is a must.
• Understanding of how to use social media platforms.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a phone.
• Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, contribute and excel under pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.
• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
• A curious mind and conversational approach to writing. This is a role that prizes communication, so clarity is key.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen (for driving roles only).     

Click here to apply.

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.