Pro Sports and Enterprise Reporter

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About The Salt Lake Tribune

The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent voice since 1871. Unlike many media organizations, The Salt Lake Tribune operates as a nonprofit newsroom, meaning our journalism is not driven by shareholder demands or corporate interests. We are committed to independent, public-service journalism centered on Utah communities.

We are looking for a dynamic sports reporter to cover Utah sports through a mix of traditional reporting and innovative multimedia storytelling.

The Role

Utah is home to the NHL’s Mammoth, the NBA’s Jazz, two Big 12 Conference powers, a pair of professional soccer teams, minor league baseball, and the site of the 2034 Winter Olympics. This role is ideal for a journalist who thrives in fast-paced environments and understands how audiences consume sports news across multiple platforms. One day you may be reporting a story on the Utah Jazz or Utah Mammoth; the next you may be creating a quick-turn social video, behind-the-scenes content or developing a longer-form feature for YouTube.

We’re looking for someone who understands that sports journalism today goes beyond stats. The ideal candidate can identify what fans are talking about, explain why it matters and package stories in ways that connect with audiences wherever they are. You will spot the trends before sports fans do, and make them feel like they’re part of a community by sharing them with voice across platforms.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, hybrid position, with at least two days per week in office and travel as needed for major sporting events. This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between The Salt Lake Tribune and The Denver Newspaper Guild.

What You’ll Do

• Cover spot sports news, trending topics and enterprise stories across Utah pro sports.
• Produce compelling written stories on tight deadlines with accuracy, clarity and strong storytelling.
• Develop accountability and explanatory reporting that helps readers better understand the sports landscape in Utah.
• Build and maintain diverse sources among athletes, coaches, fans and communities.
• Identify stories that resonate with audiences and pitch creative approaches to coverage.
• Create platform-specific content ranging from quick-turn social clips to longer-form explainers and features.
• Appear on camera when appropriate in a confident, engaging and accessible way.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary of $60,000 - $70,000, depending on experience
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid vacation, sick leave and parental leave
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Flexible and hybrid work opportunities
• Cellphone stipend and mileage reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for qualified employees

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of sports journalism at one of the country’s most innovative nonprofit newsrooms. You’ll help redefine how Utah sports stories are told — combining watchdog reporting, audience engagement and creative digital storytelling to reach fans across the state and beyond.

The Salt Lake Tribune is an inclusive employer committed to building a newsroom that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

What We’re Looking For

• A record of accountability reporting and the ability to break news.
• Experience developing a beat and a roster of sources.
• Keen grammar, spelling and punctuation skills while keeping in mind fairness, accuracy, ethics and completeness - and always avoiding sensationalism.
• In-depth knowledge of Associated Press style and self-editing skills that allow you to file clean copy in print and digital formats.
• Strong news judgment and understanding of sports culture and fandom.
• Experience creating video and social-first content for digital platforms.
• Ability to report, write, shoot and/or edit content under deadline pressure.
• Comfortable appearing on camera and engaging audiences authentically.
• Familiarity with audience analytics, social media trends and platform best practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a newsroom environment.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends and travel as needed for sports coverage.
• A professional social media presence, devoid of partisanship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience covering Utah sports, including professional, college and high school athletics.
• Experience producing visual storytelling elements for digital platforms.
• Knowledge of SEO and audience growth strategies.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field.