Sports Reporter, Springfield, Missouri

Sports Reporter, Springfield, Missouri Req #45705 Springfield, MO, USA Apply Share Job Description Posted Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 12:00 AM |Current

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Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the

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NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY , and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest , a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ , supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

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Co. Careers via Dayforce . Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com The Springfield News-Leader, part of the

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Network, is seeking a sports reporter to join our team and create impactful journalism from southwest Missouri. High school sports are front of mind for much of our audience, and this reporter will be expected to cultivate sources from schools big and small across the Ozark Country to produce written stories and smart social media-driven video. Area schools are annually in contention for state championships in virtually every sport sponsored by the state high school association. It means breaking news, event coverage, feature writing and deeper dives into success are all integral parts of the job. This reporter also will report on the Division I athletic program at Missouri State University, which plays in FBS' Conference USA. The News-Leader is the hometown newspaper in the third-largest metro area of Missouri. Springfield is a regional hub for business, healthcare and education in a metro area of 500,000. A gateway to the Ozarks, it boasts a bevy of outdoor recreational opportunities within an hour's drive, including Branson and Table Rock. St. Louis, Kansas City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, each are about three hours away.

Responsibilities:

Create storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics. Work toward becoming the community's leading voice of expertise in high school sports. Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.). Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues. Work with editor and content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to satisfy audience needs. Collaborate to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Capture basic photos and video as needed. Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand. Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

A valid driver's license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law. Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous reporting experience preferred ; even better if you've covered sports. Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit. Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a mobile device. Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability. Ability to multitask and excel under deadline pressure. Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently. Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style. Ability to work nights and weekends. Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.

Application Instructions:

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: Your resume - one to two pages. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job. 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. This position is part of a guild. We offer a competitive base salary and career growth opportunities. We also offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, Paid Time Off, Company Paid Holidays, employee discount program and domestic partner benefits. #Newsgnt #

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Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com . Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission. Job Details Job Family Union Job Function Content Production Pay Type Hourly Scan this QR code and apply! Download Springfield, MO, USA