NFL Editor, Sports Network

NFL Editor, USA TODAY Sports Network

The USA TODAY Sports Network is seeking a dynamic and collaborative NFL Editor to lead coverage of professional American football for the nation's largest media organization.

This role is central to our mission of delivering smart, engaging, and timely journalism across platforms. The editor will oversee a team of national writers, coordinate breaking news coverage and drive enterprise reporting and features that resonate with NFL fans year-round.

This role is fully remote from any state except for Alaska and Hawaii and is ideal for a high‑performing people manager with a knack for anticipating audience needs and coaching reporters to grow readership through breaking news, relentless ideation and exceptional planning.

The ability to use modern metrics, including Parse.ly, to track readership growth is required. Comfort articulating content plans to other departments and Gannett properties is a must. The editor will play a leading role in capitalizing on NFL coverage across the network, which includes more than 250 local sites in addition to USA TODAY.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of journalism experience, including managing large teams with ambitious goals.

• 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 to 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.

• 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 news cycles.
• 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.

• Familiarity with USA TODAY Network workflows and collaborative newsroom culture.
• Comfort with video and podcast production workflows.
• Creativity and innovation, with a…