Sports EditorJob Overview
Enterprise Media is seeking an energetic and community-minded Sports Editor to lead local sports coverage for the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter in Clear Lake, Iowa.
The Sports Editor will serve as the primary reporter and storyteller for Clear Lake Tigers athletics while also covering selected sports programs at smaller schools in the surrounding area. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys attending local games, building relationships with coaches and athletes, taking photographs, and telling the stories that matter to students, families, and area sports fans.
The successful candidate will produce timely, accurate, and engaging coverage for our print newspaper, website, social media platforms, and other digital products. This position requires strong writing, photography, organizational, and page-design skills, along with a commitment to community journalism.
Responsibilities
- Lead coverage of Clear Lake High School athletics, including varsity games, tournaments, postseason competition, athlete features, and team previews.
- Cover selected athletic events and programs at surrounding smaller schools.
- Develop relationships with coaches, athletic directors, athletes, parents, and community members.
- Write game stories, feature articles, season previews, columns, briefs, and other sports-related content.
- Take high-quality action and feature photographs at sporting events.
- Edit and proofread content for accuracy, clarity, grammar, AP style, and journalistic integrity.
- Verify scores, statistics, names, records, and other information before publication.
- Update the newspaper’s website and social media platforms with scores, photographs, breaking news, and event coverage.
- Design and lay out sports pages using Adobe InDesign.
- Plan coverage schedules and manage multiple deadlines, including evening and weekend assignments.
- Identify compelling local stories beyond game results, including athlete profiles, coaching changes, milestones, rivalries, and community sports programs.
- Collaborate with editors, designers, advertising staff, and other members of the Enterprise Media team.
- Represent the newspaper professionally at games, schools, community events, and public activities.
Qualifications
- Strong writing, editing, interviewing, and storytelling skills.
- A genuine interest in high school and community sports.
- Ability to write clearly and accurately under deadline pressure.
- Familiarity with AP style and basic journalism standards.
- Experience with sports photography or photojournalism is strongly preferred.
- Experience using Adobe InDesign is preferred.
- Ability to manage newspaper, website, and social media responsibilities.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments.
- Willingness to work evenings and occasional weekends based on athletic schedules.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to schools and sporting events throughout the coverage area.
- Previous journalism experience is preferred, but candidates with strong writing, photography, communications, or sports backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to become an important part of the Clear Lake community and help shape local sports coverage for readers throughout the area. The Sports Editor will have the freedom to develop creative story ideas, build meaningful relationships, and document the accomplishments of local athletes and teams.
Enterprise Media offers a fast-paced, supportive environment where your work will be seen, valued, and appreciated by the communities we serve.
Join our team and help us provide the comprehensive, reliable, and engaging sports coverage that Clear Lake and the surrounding communities deserve.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
