Sports writer/editor, AP -- National Desk, New York

The Associated Press seeks a seasoned reporter for its national sports desk in New York.

This person should write with flair and have a knack for storytelling. At the same time, this person should be able to slip into an editor's chair to sharpen and improve copy.

The successful candidate will be asked to cover a wide range of subjects, including the professional leagues, amateur and Olympic sports, television and general features. This person must have a proven track record of building reliable sources so that he/she can break news . Accuracy is a must, along with being able to write compelling copy on deadline. The ability to deliver enterprise that shows ownership of a beat, team or story is also desired.

This person also must be flexible and versatile to swing into editing mode when needed on the baseball, football, basketball or hockey desks. An editor must be able to quickly and deftly handle game copy, breaking news and items on our sports digest. It also calls for a steady, even temperament in working with writers and stringers in the field. AP desires a person who can calmly and clearly give direction to writers and stringers on breaking news, advances and features.

This position does offer writing opportunities and the possibility of landing a beat reporting job.

Familiarity with and ability to work with multimedia elements are a critically important requirement. Also, a demonstrated ability and desire to work with Graphics, Broadcast, Online Video for story presentation. Working with the Social Media desk is also strongly encouraged.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates must have a broad knowledge of all major sports with demonstrated excellence as a reporter who breaks news. An applicant should be a sharp, creative writer who is a self-starter and can spot developing stories and trends. The candidate should also have editing skills that make him or her capable of handling a heavy stream of copy, quickly and efficiently on deadline. Work schedules must be flexible. Applicants should understand the importance of multimedia news and be able to coordinate with other formats. Candidates should have at least five years of full-time reporting experience at a daily newspaper, news agency or AP bureau.

Other qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Ability to recognize and develop newsworthy stories of global interest and work accurately under deadline
Strong reporting and organizational skills
Flexibility to work nights and weekends and travel to assignments as needed.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is mandatory as is advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English language.

https://openings.ap.org/viewjob.html?erjob=23303&eresc=ERNOTIFY