Sports Reporter

The Charlotte Observer seeks a sports reporter to join its award-winning staff in a city rated as one of the best places to live in the country.

This reporter, who will cover auto racing and assist with coverage across other sports, must be able to find and break news, develop compelling enterprise,identify and report on trending topics and excel at source building. We are seeking someone who brings ideas to the table and isn't afraid to experiment with our coverage. This reporter will use social media as a news-gathering tool, an engagement opportunity and a means to put our news and enterprise in front of a topic-specific audience across multiple platforms.

At least three years of experience as a reporter/producer and a college degree are preferred though recent graduates with strong internships may be considered. Experience with and/or an interest in audio and video is a plus. Reliable transportation is required.

The Charlotte area offers a vibrant sports market. It is home to most NASCAR teams as well as the Panthers (NFL), Hornets (NBA), Charlotte FC (MLS) and a number of minor-league franchises, including the Triple-A Charlotte Knights (MiLB) and Charlotte Checkers (AHL). Annual events include NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600, the PGA's Wells Fargo Championship and the ACC football championship.

Among the fastest growing cities in the nation, Charlotte features a relatively mild climate, lower than average cost of living, numerous outdoor activities and green spaces, an up-and-coming food scene, and rich local arts and culture. Charlotte also is the largest and most diverse city in the Carolinas.

We want this reporter to:

• Break exclusive news that readers care about.
• Find compelling local stories that will resonate across the Charlotte region.
• Conceive and write in-depth accountability stories.
• Develop a broad range of sources.
• Be a master of social media – both as a news-gathering tool and as a way to get your journalism in front of readers.
• Understand audience metrics – which stories are resonating with readers? Working with your editor, regularly mine this data for takeaways about how we can build our audience.
• On tight deadlines, write stories that are fair, accurate and give readers important context.
• Work closely with our visual journalists to develop video and images for stories.
• Engage the public: Deliver news coverage and enterprise reporting in a way in which readers understand the need for action or involvement.

Success will require:

• A competitive nature.
• Collaborative instincts and the ability to work well on a team.
• A deep understanding of how power, government and politics work.
• Communication skills to build strong source networks.

• The ability to report and write accurately and engagingly on tight deadlines.
• Creativity and independence in identifying stories that are exclusive to the Observer and relevant to readers.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret complex documents and records.
• Deep commitment to accurate, ethical journalism.
• Command of grammar, spelling, Observer and AP style, as well as the ability to write clearly and organize a story.
• Strong story-telling ability and excellent news judgment.
• Expert-level writing skills in multiple formats – short form, long form, narrative, hard news and features.
• Fluency in both the art and science of readership and engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to take and give constructive criticism.

What we’ll bring: As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

To apply, include a persuasive cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work.

About McClatchy:

Our impact is growing every day. 30 growing markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 56 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger.

As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of a flexible, empowering, and exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth—a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways.

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