Sports Reporter

 The Rio Rancho Observer is seeking a Sports Reporter to join our newsroom. This weekly print publication with a 24/7 digital presence serves the communities of Rio Rancho, Corrales, Bernalillo, Santa Ana Pueblo, and Placitas in southern Sandoval County, an important part of the Albuquerque metro area.

This role offers the opportunity to cover a wide range of athletic programs, from championship high school sports to semi-professional teams and community recreation leagues, while also contributing general news content as needed.

Resposibilities

• Cover Rio Rancho Public Schools athletics, including a nationally recognized program with more than 100 state championships in its 30-year history
• Report on Bernalillo Public Schools sports programs
• Cover semi-professional teams, youth sports, and community recreation leagues
• Produce a minimum of two original content pieces per day
• Process press releases quickly and accurately for publication
• Develop in-depth weekend feature stories and enterprise reporting
• Maintain strong source relationships across assigned beats
• Utilize data and analytics to help guide content decisions
• Support both print and digital platforms in a fast-paced environment
• Occasionally assist with general news coverage as needed

• Strong, clear, and accurate writing skills
• Ability to report objectively and communicate effectively with the public
• Solid understanding of journalism ethics and professional standards
• Strong knowledge of AP Style and copy editing
• Ability to work quickly under tight deadlines
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments
• Self-starter with strong initiative and curiosity
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills
• Ability to develop and maintain source relationships
• Experience with photo and video journalism
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop)
• Experience with web publishing tools and CMS platforms
• Experience using social media for news gathering and audience engagement
• Experience with word processing software

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• Clean driving record
• Reliable personal transportation
• Availability to work nights and weekends as needed