Full Job Description

The Elgin Courier seeks a full-time sportswriter to take our coverage to the next level.

We are an award-winning community newspaper located in Elgin, Texas. We cover all of Bastrop County and the surrounding area. Founded in 1890, the Elgin Courier is one of the oldest continually published newspapers in the region and is located just minutes from the cultural amenities of Austin, the state capital, and the University of Texas, but is still just far enough away to have that relaxed, small-town vibe. Elgin and Bastrop County are close to high-growth regions that boast an emerging tech sector including the nearby Tesla Gigafactory Texas and a new Samsung Electronics Corp. semiconductor foundry just up the road in Taylor. Elgin also has an Austin Community College campus and is located not far from Austin Bergstrom International Airport, the Colorado River and nature areas filled with waterways, state parks, camping and beautiful pine trees known as the “lost pines.” The Elgin Courier publishes each week, coupled with online and social media components. A weekly supplement, The Bastrop County Insider, is delivered with the Elgin Courier to select markets and covers news, sports and events across the wider county.

Qualifications

This position is part of a vibrant newsroom and is responsible for all sports coverage of the Elgin Independent School District, surrounding schools and other athletic programs on and off campus ranging from swimming to soccer and rodeo. We expect to cover everything from the big Friday night games to youth sports and the outdoors. We’re looking for someone who can take readers inside the game with a fresh perspective while also delivering interesting stories on the players, coaches and schools that our readers won’t find anywhere else. You’ll also help cover the occasional non-sports story. This position also will be responsible for incorporating social media into game night coverage.

• Sports writing and photography experience preferred.
• Candidates should have some work experience or a combination of education and internships at a small community newspaper.
• Knowledge of the Associated Press style is a must.
• We offer a competitive salary and benefits including health insurance, paid time off and mileage reimbursement.

Sills Needed

• Superb communication and time-management abilities.
• Cultivate sources and generate story ideas in a timely manner with minimal supervision.
• Developing multi-tasking abilities and deal with time pressures.
• Flexibility to assist in other tasks as needed.
• Writing (grammar, style, narrative) and knowledge of photography a must.
• Constant awareness of what people are sharing and talking about on social media.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft systems.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment.

The Elgin Courier is part of Granite Media Partners, a multi-platform Texas information, marketing and advertising enterprise. Granite owns 10 newspapers, regional magazines, its own printing press and continues to expand its digital offerings.

If you meet the above qualifications and are ready for a challenge, please apply with your resume

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27,000.00 – $30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus pay
• Signing bonus

Experience:

• Journalism: 1 year (Preferred)
• Work Location: One location