What are the responsibilities and job description for the College Sports Insider position at McClatchy?
Ready to set the agenda for college sports in Carolina? The Raleigh News & Observer is searching for a College Sports Insider who thrives on connecting with people—sources, readers, and the wider community—and brings fresh energy to our digital-first newsroom. If you love building relationships, breaking news, and experimenting with new tools like AI to elevate your reporting, this is your next move.
This isn’t a traditional beat role. You’ll deliver exclusive, high-impact coverage of UNC and the ACC, using sharp sourcing, digital savvy, and a high volume of stories to engage readers across our website, newsletters, and social platforms. You’ll travel for games and major events, represent The News & Observer on social media and in media appearances, and find the stories that matter most to our community—on and off the court.
Standout candidates will have an audience-first mindset, a passion for engaging directly with readers, interest in experimenting with AI and analytics to inform coverage, SEO savvy, and comfort using social media for both storytelling and audience connection.
What you’ll bring:
- 5 years of professional journalism experience, preferably in college sports
- Comfort in audience-facing roles and representing The News & Observer across digital and real-world channels
- Strong writing, reporting, and people skills, with a proven ability to produce a high volume of distinctive stories
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for experimenting with AI and new digital tools
- Comfort with data, public records, and analytics
- Collaborative, adaptable, and eager to learn
Ready to shape the future of sports journalism?
Apply with your resume, cover letter, and 4-6 clips that showcase your best work and audience engagement. Join us and make an impact where college sports matter most.
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