Overview
Sample News Group is seeking an experienced, community-minded Sports Editor to lead our daily sports coverage at OswegoCountyNewsNow.com and its affiliated print publications: the daily Oswego Palladium Times, bi-weekly Valley News, and weekly Oswego County News. The primary emphasis of this position is on local high school and community athletics. This role combines hands-on reporting, photography and editing with responsibility for producing a polished sports section five days a week. The ideal candidate is a strong writer and editor who thrives on deadline, knows how to build relationships with coaches, athletes, and parents, and takes pride in being the go-to source for local sports in Oswego County.
Key Responsibilities
Coverage & Content
- Serve as lead reporter and editor for high school sports across all seasons (football, basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, track, wrestling, volleyball, lacrosse and other sports)
- Cover community and recreational sports, youth leagues, local college sports, professional racing, and adult amateur athletics
- Attend games, meets, and tournaments; conduct player and coach interviews; write game stories, features, and season previews/wrap-ups
- Develop and maintain a beat calendar to ensure consistent coverage of all area schools and teams
- Write columns and analysis pieces that provide perspective beyond game recaps
- Build and manage a network of stringers/freelance contributors to help cover simultaneous games and events
Editing & Section Management
- Edit copy from staff writers, stringers, and community submissions for accuracy, AP style, grammar, and clarity
- Curate wire service reports for a consistent National/Regional sports section
- Design and lay out the sports section five days per week, working within the newspaper's page-design software and print deadlines
- Shoot, select and crop photography; coordinate with local photographers for game-day coverage
- Manage the sports budget/schedule, prioritizing stories and determining section flow, headlines, and cutlines
- Ensure accuracy of scores, standings, stats boxes, and schedules
Digital & Social
- Publish and update content on the newspaper's website and manage sports section social media accounts/posts
- Post live score updates and highlights during games as needed
- Optimize headlines and content for digital engagement and SEO
Leadership & Administration
- Supervise and mentor freelance sports writers and interns
- Coordinate scheduling to ensure adequate coverage across all teams and events, including nights and weekends
- Maintain relationships with athletic directors, coaches, and league officials to ensure access and accurate information
- Track and manage a section budget for freelance/stringer pay, if applicable
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 2+ years of sports journalism experience; prior editing experience preferred
- Strong writing skills with command of AP Style
- Familiarity with page layout/design software (InDesign)
- Familiarity with CMS platforms and social media management
- Excellent time-management skills and ability to work under tight, recurring deadlines
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (travel to local games/events required)
- Passion for community journalism and high school athletics
Work Schedule
- Full-time; schedule includes evenings and weekends during active sports seasons to cover games
- Five-day print production cycle with corresponding daily deadlines
Physical Requirements
- Ability to attend outdoor and indoor sporting events in varying weather conditions
- Ability to carry equipment (laptop, camera if applicable) to and from event venues
Pay: $41,600.00 - $45,760.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
