Washington State Sports Reporter (Newsperson)

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiasednews in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks a dynamic reporter to cover sports in Seattle. With professional teams in the NFL, MLB, NHL and WNBA, as well as top college football and basketball teams, Seattle is one of America's most exciting sports cities and provides unlimited opportunities for news reporting and rich, enterprise storytelling. This is a staff position covered by AP's agreement with the News Media Guild.

As our Seattle sports reporter, your beats will include the Seahawks, Mariners, Storm, Sounders, Kraken, the University of Washington and Gonzaga, focusing on breaking news, game coverage, profiles and other enterprise. You will also work closely with stringers to coordinate coverage of major events across the state.

You'll build strong sources that keep AP ahead of the competition, generate original and compelling story ideas and harness social media to capitalize on the latest sports buzz. You will also approach each story across formats from beginning to end, and you'll work with other departments to deliver the best storytelling experience for AP's global audience.

We're looking for someone who will:

• deliver spot news, features, profiles and analysis - from game stories to deeply reported enterprise - that break news, have impact and are exclusive to AP.
• be as interested in stories that emerge off the field as on it, with a passion for distinctive storytelling that goes beyond the final score.
• work with a diverse team of journalists to pitch stories across all formats - text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics - collaborating from a story's inception to its publication.
• have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate and drive stories that people will want to share on social media and other platforms.
• pursue innovative and inclusive coverage that maintains AP's standards for integrity and objectivity.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, such as at least three years of full-time journalism experience.
• All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.
• Applicants must be able and willing to work any shift, including nights and weekends, or as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation.

Preferred Qualifications: This reporter should have a proven track record of building reliable sources with players, leagues, teams, agents and officials. You should have strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

This position is covered by The Associated Press' contract with the News Media Guild, which provides for an annual salary for Class A staff of between $52,046 and $82,934 based on location and years of professional experience. AP may offer additional compensation based on a job candidate's skills, qualifications and market location.

The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits which include:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Company paid life insurance
• Paid vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave for any new parent
• Mental health resources

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

Application deadline is January 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities, including women and BIPOC, to apply.