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

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