OVERVIEW:

Seeking a full-time Sports Reporter for its new high school sports website that will cover 12 high schools in Chicago’s northern suburbs.  Website set to launch in November, 2009.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Responsible for researching and producing written content for Paragon’s high school website program consistent with Paragon’s initiatives; and provides general assistance and support to the high school website program. Primary duties will entail writing and uploading daily editorial for assigned teams and sports and assist with coordination of coverage with freelance writers and photographers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·   Receive assignment and evaluate news leads to develop story ideas

·   Go into the field to collect and analyze information about newsworthy events to write daily and advance news stories

·   Gather and verify factual information regarding stories through interview, observation, and research

·   Organize material, determine slant or emphasis, and write stories with impact according to prescribed editorial style and format standards

·   Upload stories and materials to website

·   May take photographs or shoot video to illustrate stories

·   May edit, or assist in editing, videos for broadcast

·   Maintain coverage of assigned high school team(s) or sport(s)

·   Cultivate and advance positive relations with state high school association, area high school athletic directors, student-athletes, student newspapers, TV and radio station directors, and booster club personnel

·   Monitor competitors and market conditions

·   Perform other duties as assigned by Paragon Management

Qualifications:

• Demonstrate news judgment, editorial and creative skills
• Understand journalistic ethics, standards and libel laws
• Display a high-level of energy and dependable, strong work ethic

§  Exhibit excellent communication, interpersonal, and people skills

• Prioritize, organize and manage multiple projects; follow directions and meet deadlines
• Respond to new opportunities and adapt quickly to shifting conditions
• Exhibit a professional demeanor
• Knowledge of principles and practices of journalism
• Writing experience on deadline for newspaper or website, preferably in sports
• Basic knowledge of most sports
• College enrollment or college degree required; preferably in the field of journalism, communications or English
• Standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time; occasional lifting of light to moderate weight objects
• Extensive local and occasional domestic travel (valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID required)