Sports Reporter

Looking to work in an award-winning, multi-media savvy and fun newsroom located in a growing community? The Brainerd Dispatch, located in the heart of Minnesota's lakes region, has an opening for a sports reporter to cover area high school and college athletes. The Brainerd lakes area is rich in recreation opportunities in a small-town atmosphere within a micropolitan setting. The team environment in the newsroom provides an opportunity to work on a variety of stories, explore important community topics and pursue enterprise features. This reporter will cultivate sources, produce stories quickly and accurately on deadline, take photos and produce videos, as well as engage with readers via social media.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Using interview, observation and research to gather and accurately relay engaging stories in a timely manner.
• Working independently and with editors to identify and produce watchdog journalism and storytelling opportunities.
• Writing according to editorial style and format standards, both for print newspaper and online.
• Building a rapport with sources in the community and on a beat to develop people-driven stories.
• Collaborating with the newsroom's visual team to ensure stories are presented in the best way possible.
• Being attuned to local, regional and state issues.
• Covering 12 area high schools and one community college.
• Copy edit when necessary.
• Writes area male and female athlete of week stories during school year.
• Writing and compiling all-area football, volleyball, boys basketball and girls basketball teams and stories.
• Rotate Sunday shifts with sports editor.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Ability to handle a fast paced environment and flexible hours while meeting deadline.
• Shifts will include nights, weekends and holidays.
• Capacity to handle sensitive and emotional situations, relate with people in the community, balance competing demands, set priorities and juggle several stories at once.
• Computer skills in word processing and database management as well as strong writing and interviewing skills.
• Knowledge of laws pertaining to open records/meetings and libel.
• Deep-seated sense of fairness and sensitivity to all readers and subjects of articles.
• Must possess a reliable vehicle covered with acceptable insurance
• Must have a valid driver's license with a driving record that is insurable by the company.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience in journalism is required. At least one year of experience in a professional newsroom is preferred but college graduation with strong experience will be considered.

About the Organization
Forum Communications Company is a multimedia news company with locations across ND, SD, MN and WI. We have over 1,400 employees that work towards a common goal, delivering quality products and information to our clients and viewers. We publish both print and online versions of our newspapers. We develop websites and apps. We own and operate television and radio stations and offer agency services and sales solutions.

We pretty much do it all!

EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.


This position is currently accepting applications.