Hiring A.I. Sports Editor at Gannett, McLean

The USA TODAY NETWORK is seeking an AI Sports Editor with a strong background in data automation, AI tools and leading sports journalists toward sustained readership and revenue growth.

This role will lead a cutting-age digital news team that blends human reporting with AI technical expertise to storify data, automate content and create new reader experiences without losing sight of quality and the USA TODAY Network’s enduring responsibility to form connections with the communities it serves.

As AI Sport Editor, you will have the opportunity to coach sports news and technical skills while creating a culture of innovation to distinguish the USA TODAY Network from national competitors. This is production-oriented work, focused on creating readership and revenue growth.

The candidate must have basic journalism and phone/videoconference interview skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. On some days, this job requires using AI tools to create new content ideas and concepts. Other days, the job will focus on troubleshooting, mentoring and acting as a liaison to Network sports leaders or technical partners. Strong organization skills are required.

This job is part of the USA TODAY Network, which includes Sports Media Group, more than 200 local newsrooms and USA TODAY.

The USA TODAY Network believes in the lasting role of human journalists and is committed to harnessing technology that helps journalists more effectively serve readers. AI tools help create time and resources for journalists to focus on the irreplaceable work of interviewing, beat development and watchdogging the powerful.

This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii.

Responsibilities:

• Lead team of AI sports reporters, including one technical expert, to scale data automation strategies across Network and create new experiences.
• Have a strong knowledge of automation and technical tools, with the ability to troubleshoot and provide clarity to others on issues or obstacles as they arise.
• Familiarity with major LLMs and the field of generative AI, including risks, benefits and latest advances.
• Utilize AI tools to generate and enhance content, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and high journalistic standards.
• Be comfortable mining for new clean data, especially in high school sports.
• Have the agility to pivot quickly to maximize content visibility, particularly with creation of automated content templates.
• Conduct interviews and gather information to enrich AI-generated and automated content.
• Collaborate with editors, data journalists, and other team members to ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Continuously learn and implement new strategies for using AI tools to enhance reporting efficiency and productivity.
• Assist fellow reporters with data brainstorming, data acquisition, cleaning, integrity-checking, and analysis.
• Maintain the highest standard of journalistic integrity and ethical reporting.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of journalistic principles, media law, and SEO practices.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, data science or a related field. Equivalent work experience welcomed.
• 3+ years of journalism experience, preferably in data journalism or related specialty.
• Demonstrated ability to lead others, regardless of job title.
• Strong understanding of journalistic principles, practices, and media law.
• Proficiency in AI tools, machine-learning and data automation technologies.
• Excellent writing, editing, and interviewing skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and an understanding of statistics.
• Good interpersonal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• A proactive, self-motivated attitude with a commitment to continuous improvement.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with AI technology in a journalistic setting.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• The chance to be at the forefront of the evolving media landscape.

Working Conditions:

News often requires employees to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.

This role is perfect for someone passionate about journalism and technology, ready to lead and innovate in the evolving media landscape. If you have the skills and experience, we encourage you to apply!

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:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

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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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $80,000 and $140,300. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.
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