USA Today — Sports Managing Editor

Job opportunity at Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK - USA Today - Managing Editor - Sports

USA TODAY is seeking a dynamic and transformational leader to serve as its managing editor for sports.



The successful candidate will be a strong leader who can articulate a strategic vision for the future of USA TODAY Sports while setting and executing coverage priorities. This person will have the skills to both raise the quality level of the journalism and increase the organization’s considerable digital reach. The right candidate will have a proven track record of high-impact content editing and innovation in storytelling across multiple platforms.


We are looking for someone with expertise in multiple areas of sports coverage as well as emerging media, mobile, social media and video strategy, and use of data to drive engagement and traffic. Applicants should have a clear understanding of how to target specific audiences and how to effectively engage readers in the digital space and in person. The right candidate will have the experience and ability to assess structure, personnel and technological needs, and to make necessary changes. The editor will collaborate across the USA TODAY NETWORK.


Responsibilities:

• Uphold the highest journalism standards across all platforms.
• Provide exemplary leadership and execute the strategic vision.
• Develop and implement a multi-platform vision for mobile, social and video, focused on achieving target audience specific goals and objectives.
• Innovate and engage in the social-media space and work with our sports journalists to enhance their social-media use and acumen. Promote our brand, content and personalities across social media; plan for and execute live event coverage on social media; and coordinate initiatives that involve fan feedback or other engagement efforts.
• Increase journalistic quality and storytelling across all areas of coverage.
• Plan across the USA TODAY Network for major sports events.
• Lead the planning and oversee execution of content strategies with a keen eye focused on growth audiences.
• Excellent change management, personal leadership and ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally—can conduct a dialogue that is intellectually honest, brings out diversity of ideas and creates the appropriate integration/connectivity.
• Strong communicator of the company’s strategic initiatives, purpose, vision, culture and plan.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 10-15 years of experience as a respected journalism leader, with emphasis on digital content and storytelling platforms.
• Experience in high-level decision-making with complex, impactful or sensitive news and sports content.
• A history of successful leadership, innovation and goal achievement.
• Demonstrated change leader who collaborates and communicates effectively.
• Comfortable with public speaking and a commitment to staff interaction.
• Understanding of the changing media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
• Demonstrated strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability.
• Demonstrated track record in recruiting a highly successful team.

Here's what we have to offer:


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. Our 401(k) is topnotch and the contributions you make, up to the first 5% are eligible for a 100% Company match!


#Content

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation or veteran status.

 

Anyone hear anything about candidates? I would think someone who is sports editor of one of the bigger Gannett papers might have an edge, although that hasn't been the case in the past.