Job Description

The Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a Sports Director to lead talented journalists in a fast‑paced, digitally focused environment where college and high school basketball are key audience drivers. The successful candidate will think digitally first, using analytics to shape coverage that will help us grow our audience. That means enterprise, storytelling, analysis and authoritative lists rather than game stories and scores. The editor will coach a staff with varying levels of experience and be an important part of Gannett's growing network of sports coverage across the Midwest Region. The ideal candidate has great news judgment, strong editing and management skills and is technically savvy. S/he must have proven experience working with reporters to shape coverage based on audience metrics and digital subscription growth. This editor will be responsible for developing the best approaches and techniques to bring our sports readers on a path to subscription. The Courier Journal was awarded a 2020 Pulitzer Prize for its breaking news coverage. It's a high‑performing newsroom focused on meeting the demands of an engaged readership. Louisville has some of the highest‑profile coverage opportunities in the country: national championship‑caliber college basketball teams; SEC, ACC and Big Ten football; and the world‑famous Kentucky Derby. Our coverage is built on digital storytelling and mobile consumption, which includes real‑time reporting, smart analysis, video champions, deep storytelling and social engagement. Responsibilities Execute tactics on growing subscriptions through storytelling, topics and headlines. Help the staff hone skills in a wide range of storytelling: from real‑time digital updates to narrative storytelling, employing alternative story forms and multimedia. Use metrics and analytics to determine how to best reach and grow the audience. Increase digital audience and engagement and grow digital subscriptions. Display creativity in everything from developing fresh content to writing SEO‑friendly headlines to sharing content socially to having an eye for images and video. Be a teacher, not just an editor, because everyone needs a coach. Be courageous about experimentation. Be a team player who likes to collaborate with coworkers. Requirements Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 5 years’ experience as a sports journalism leader, with focus on digital content and multimedia platforms. Experience in high‑level decision‑making with complex, impactful or sensitive news content. Advanced understanding of various news and information content management systems. A history of successful leadership, collaboration, innovation and goal achievement. Demonstrated change leader who collaborates and communicates effectively with diverse peoples and personalities. Demonstrated record of leading a coverage team, including remote writers. Passion for strong watchdog, enterprise and features work across multiple platforms. Strong social media skills. Understanding of best uses of live and recorded video and how to inculcate video skills throughout the team. Ability to work well on deadline. Ability to write with accuracy and precision. Excellent communication and time‑management skills. Approachability, comfortable with public speaking and a commitment to staff. Understanding 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. Ability to effectively manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability. #J-18808-Ljbffr USA Today Co

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