Prep Sports Reporter

The Ventura County Star/vcstar.com seeks a high-energy writer to join our award-winning sports team, covering high school sports across a diverse region of Southern California. While our coverage centers on Ventura County and high school athletics, our sports reporters routinely tell stories about college and professional athletes and teams.

The right candidate will be able to build sources, break news and tell compelling stories. The ideal person will have knowledge of a variety of sports and issues emerging from them. The candidate will also be able to spot trending news and react quickly to it. The candidate must be strong on social media, especially Instagram, X, Facebook and other emerging platforms. The candidate should be able to handle photos and video for story assignments as needed. The job often requires working nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Be one of the area’s leading voices in high school sports.
• Connect with players, coaches, parents and fans.
• Craft compelling coverage based on audience interest that attracts and enhances readership both online and in printed editions.
• Self-starter that provides fresh ideas for stories that go beyond both the final score and stat lines.
• Keep track of high school sports buzz and what’s trending across social platforms.
• Display creativity in everything from developing fresh content to writing SEO friendly headlines to sharing content socially with an eye for visuals.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least one year experience writing news or sports stories.
• Ability to write with accuracy and precision.
• Ability to work well on deadline.
• Excellent communication and time-management skills.
• Strong social media skills.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
  
  

Application Instructions

About

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 no more than three published stories, writing samples and/or audio samples.
  
  

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.

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The hourly rate for this role will range between $15.87 and $38.70.  Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.