Freelance College Sports Writer - Partnerships

ABOUT YOUR NEW ROLE

Sporting News is seeking creative and driven freelance college sports writers to contribute to its affiliate and commercial content team. This is a high volume writing position best suited for flexible, supplemental work or aspiring sports marketers or journalists. 

Contributing writers supporting SN’s growing affiliate and commerce business are business-savvy, detail-oriented, well-versed in SEO best practices and energized to work in a fast-paced production environment. 

This role requires versatility across all college sports with some ability to write on major pro sports as needed to support SN’s partners. While a heavy focus is on college football and basketball when in season, weekly assignments could include everything from volleyball and track to baseball and softball. Candidates should expect approximately 15-25 hours per week, Though working hours are flexible, weekend availability is a plus. Weekly flat rates are determined by volume of assignments though expected pay range is on par with $20-25 per hour, commensurate with experience. Work can be done remotely.

HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT YOU’LL (PRIMARILY) DO

• Curate and write 4-8 assigned stories per day
• File stories on-time to editors directly in SN’s CMS
• Apply SN’s SEO best practices by following established protocols
• Execute link strategy with specific call-to-action copy and placement
• Implement product enhancements to deliver best-in-class how to watch content

DO YOU HAVE THESE ESSENTIALS?

• 1-3 years of digital marketing and/or sports media experience
• Demonstrated ability to write quickly with clean, concise copy
• Basic knowledge of SEO tools and best practices, including writing headlines, URLs and copy for a search audience, and how to farm Google Trends for content ideas
• Sharp business acumen with demonstrated capacity to understand how SN’s editorial strategy aligns with commercial goals
• Creative news judgment instincts to discern interesting content from noise
• An eye for smart data and compelling entry points to enhance storytelling
• A strong, versatile understanding of most college sports, and a willingness to learn others outside your comfort zone
• Ability to work nights and weekends, as required

NOT ESSENTIAL BUT GREAT IF YOU ALSO HAD

• College degree in marketing, journalism, English, sports management or related field
• Experience writing about sports betting odds and trends
• Understanding of how to use audience data and tools to shape content strategy
• Ability to learn new roles and adapt in a constantly evolving industry

Compensation$20-$25/hour