Sports Editor, Daytona News-Journal

Gannett - Daytona Beach, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Daytona Beach, FL

Publishing Industries

About the position

The Daytona Beach News-Journal, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a talented, digitally-focused, forward-thinking editor to serve Daytona Beach specifically and the state of Florida at large as a part of the newly reorganized sports structure in the state. This role is pivotal in growing the audience and overseeing the news organization's coverage of a highly competitive high school sports scene, outdoor activities, and NASCAR, which is synonymous with Daytona. The ideal candidate will guide established beat writers and columnists, providing solid editing and headline writing, while collaborating with an award-winning photography staff. The successful candidate will leverage their sharp journalistic skills to attract readers to the News-Journal and engage a national audience. As the lead for the sports department across all platforms—including print, digital (website, app, and social media), and audio (podcasts and voice stories)—the editor will work closely with newsroom leaders both locally and nationally to enhance the company's pageviews and subscriptions. This role also involves being a lead editor within the Florida sports reorganization, assisting both the high school sports and trending teams, and collaborating with the state sports planning team to ensure all print requirements are met. The editor will delve into trends to stay informed about stories impacting sports fans in the Daytona Beach area, plan daily, weekly, and tentpole event coverage, assign and edit stories, and engage the audience during significant events. We are looking for someone with a keen sense for news and the expertise to present that news effectively across various platforms. The ideal candidate should be eager to enhance our coverage with impactful and provocative enterprise journalism and be ready to contribute to a winning team. There is no ambition too big for this role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the sports department's coverage across all platforms including print, digital, and audio.
• Manage and mentor established beat writers and columnists, providing editing and headline writing support.
• Collaborate with photography staff to enhance visual storytelling.
• Develop strategies to grow audience engagement and increase subscriptions.
• Plan and coordinate coverage for daily, weekly, and major sports events.
• Analyze trends in sports to stay ahead of stories that impact local fans.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure all print requirements are met.
• Engage with the audience during significant sports events and celebrations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of reporting/editing experience, with a minimum of 2 years in a managerial role.
• Experience in building a brand on social media.
• Strong expertise in writing, spelling, grammar, and AP style.
• Knowledge of media law and Principles of Ethical Conduct.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work with diverse personalities.
• Ability to multitask and perform under intense deadline pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Efficient time management skills in a 24-hour newsroom setting.
• Collaborative mindset to work within a cross-functional environment.
• Understanding of competition for audience attention and resources.
• Self-motivated and self-directed with innovative thinking.