Statesman Journal / Gannett · 2 months ago
NFL Editor, USA TODAY Sports Network
USA TODAY Co. is a diversified media company dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. They are seeking a dynamic and collaborative NFL Editor to lead coverage of professional American football, overseeing a team of national writers and coordinating breaking news coverage.
ContentNews
Responsibilities
Editorial Leadership:Direct coverage across the NFL desk, including breaking news, features, columns and tentpole planning, including the Super Bowl and NFL draft. Foster a collaborative environment across the network
Content Strategy: Establish the editorial vision for NFL coverage in the USA TODAY Sports Network, ensuring it drives conversation forward, moves with urgency and reflects the major issues facing the country’s biggest professional sports league
Planning & Execution:Lead daily editorial meetings, define KPIs, and manage workflows for tentpole events (e.g., Super Bowl, Draft, NFL Combine). Develop long-term content plans and ensure transparency in processes
Team Development: Mentor writers, identify talent and help expand roles for key contributors. Hire and onboard new staff as needed. Coach writers create compelling content that goes beyond the box score, applying judgment as a journalist to ensure accuracy, clarity and high standards
Audience Growth:Use SEO, analytics, and optimization techniques to grow readership and engagement. Collaborate with monetization and innovation teams to align editorial goals with business objectives
Cross-Platform Coordination:Work with video, podcast, and social teams to amplify NFL content. Ensure stories are distributed effectively across USA TODAY platforms
Continuously learn and implement new techniques to enhance reporting efficiency and meet or exceed productivity expectations
Maintain Gannett’s high standard of journalistic integrity and ethical reporting
Demonstrate a strong understanding of journalistic principles and practices and a working knowledge of media law
Qualification
Required
Minimum 10 years of experience in sports journalism, with a strong background in NFL coverage
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or equivalent field. Equivalent work experience is welcomed
Proven leadership in managing cross-functional editorial teams and coordinating large-scale coverage
Deep understanding of the NFL, its culture and its audience
Strong writing, editing and news judgment skills
Experience with digital publishing tools, analytics platforms and SEO best practices
Ability to work nights, weekends and during high-volume newscycles
Strong understanding of journalistic principles and practices
Excellent working knowledge of relevant media law and adherence to the Editors' Code of Conduct are vital to fulfilling the functions of the role
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Excellent time management skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines
A proactive, self-motivated attitude with a commitment to continuous improvement
Be the ultimate team player
Preferred
Familiarity with USA TODAY Network workflows and collaborative newsroom culture
Comfort with video and podcast production workflows
Creativity and innovation, with a willingness to experiment with new approaches and techniques
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package.
A collaborative and supportive team environment.
Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
The chance to be at the forefront of the evolving media landscape.
Company
Statesman Journal / Gannett
Statesman Journal is the primary source of news and information for our community.
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase