The South Bend (Ind.) Tribune, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for an energetic, enterprising reporter to cover high school sports in this sports-oriented community in Nothern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

We’re not looking for run-of-the mill coverage. Our readers already know the score. They want something more meaningful, and we need a reporter who can hunt down those stories. 

Friday nights in fall are a huge part of the community, and breaking news is important – but enterprise stories are the heart of this beat. Interesting, well-read stories that take place off the field in and around St. Joseph County are essential to success. That means meeting sources, talking with parents and getting the pulse of our community.

Personality and issue-driven features are our lifeblood, as are power rankings, players to watch and a strong social media voice. This journalist will be the all-purpose guide to our readers for the 25 high schools we cover.

While high school will always be the bread and butter of this position, but there will be opportunities to cover multiple University of Notre Dame sports as necessary.

South Bend is a city of 103,000 people and the cultural center of a metro region of 324,000. We are 90 minutes from the Chicago Loop, a little over an hour to the shores of Lake Michigan and 2½ hours north of Indianapolis. South Bend is also home to the Chicago Cubs’ High-A Minor League affiliate, a vast network of parks and trails and a thriving arts & entertainment scene.

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:

· 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 intense deadline pressure.

·Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.

·Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.

· Ability to work some nights and weekends.

· Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.

This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law. 

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:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.

2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

3. 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.

Apply here.

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.

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.