Sports Reporter, Ocala FL

The Ocala Star Banner, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a versatile and curious reporter to join our sports team and create stories and visual content that captures the high school sports scene in and around Ocala, Florida.

While the biggest games remain important, the Ocala area is growing and has a diverse sports interest. A new high school is opening in the fall of 2026, the city holds one of Florida's biggest holiday high school basketball tournaments and, with a Summer Olympics two years away, an interest in equestrian sports will return for our readers and beyond.

Breaking news, well-sourced enterprise, updates on teams and athletes - you'll have to do it all in words, and in visuals that fit your eye on social media.

In the heart of Central Florida, Ocala offers a blend of small-town charm and growing economic opportunity. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Ocala is home to a large equestrian scene and combines a relaxed, affordable lifestyle with convenient access to Orlando and Tampa; both are about 90 minutes away. Located at the center of the state, Ocala is also only a two-hour drive from either coastline.

Responsibilities:

Create storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
Work toward becoming the community's leading voice of expertise in high school sports.
Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.). Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
Work with editor and content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to satisfy audience needs.
Collaborate to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Capture basic photos and video as needed.
Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Previous reporting experience preferred; even better if you've covered sports.
Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit.
Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a mobile device.
Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.
AI and automation literacy and experience, and willingness to use it to enhance their journalism.
Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.
Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.
Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
Ability to work some nights and weekends.
Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.

Application Instructions:
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

Your resume - one to two pages.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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