National News Boats Reporter

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USATODAY Network is seeking a consumer-focused Boats Reporter to lead coverage for our new national Boats hub. This journalist will create compelling, useful and audience-driven content for people who are considering a boat purchase, enjoy life on the water or are deeply engaged with boats and boating culture.

We’re looking for a boating enthusiast with strong reporting instincts, multimedia storytelling skills and a deep understanding of how to serve three key audience segments:

• Boat shoppers and buyers researching models, features, prices and purchasing decisions
• Recreationists looking for accessible, practical and inspiring ways to enjoy boating and life on the water
• Boating enthusiasts who closely follow new products, innovations, destinations, events and boating culture

This role supports USAT Networks' strategic goal of growing engaged audiences through high-quality, platform-optimized consumer coverage. The reporter will become a leading voice of the Boats hub, producing authoritative journalism while helping establish its identity, audience and programming across multiple platforms.

The reporter will work closely with editors, visual journalists and reporters across the USA TODAY Network to deliver timely, relevant and distinctive coverage. Video will be central to the role. The successful candidate must be comfortable appearing on camera, developing original video concepts and producing content from idea through publication.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The role is remote, though candidates may also be based in a USAT local market.

Responsibilities:

• Report and write useful, engaging stories for boat shoppers, recreationists and enthusiasts
• Develop authoritative buying guidance, product comparisons, explainers and other service journalism that helps consumers make informed decisions
• Cover boating news, trends, innovations, destinations, events and culture
• Generate original video concepts that complement the hub’s journalism and expand its reach
• Report, shoot and produce platform-appropriate video, including on-camera segments, demonstrations, interviews and field reporting
• Translate reporting into compelling visual stories for YouTube, social platforms and other video destinations
• Pitch timely ideas based on news, seasonal interest, consumer demand, search behavior and audience data
• Balance quick-turn coverage with enterprise reporting, distinctive features and recurring franchises
• Create content optimized for search, social media, newsletters, video and other audience channels
• Build and maintain relationships with boat manufacturers, dealers, industry experts, recreational organizations, boat owners and other relevant sources
• Collaborate with journalists across the USA TODAY Network to identify local expertise, expand coverage and maximize reach
• Help establish the hub’s editorial voice, coverage priorities and publishing rhythm
• Monitor performance metrics and use the results to refine topics, formats, packaging and distribution

What you’ll need to thrive

• A genuine passion for boats, boating and life on the water
• Strong reporting, writing and news judgment
• The ability to make boating approachable to newcomers without losing credibility with experienced enthusiasts
• Confidence developing stories around consumer questions and real-world audience needs
• Strong video instincts and comfort working both behind and in front of the camera
• The ability to identify which ideas are best told through articles, videos, social content or a combination of formats
• Familiarity with SEO, social media best practices and audience analytics
• Clear, concise writing that avoids unnecessary jargon
• An energetic and creative approach to building a new editorial product
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across a distributed newsroom
• Sound judgment when reporting in marinas, on boats and around the water

Requirements

• Proven experience in journalism, digital media, video production or a related content field
• Excellent reporting, writing, communication and organizational skills
• Demonstrated experience creating original video content
• Experience shooting and producing video in field environments
• Comfort appearing on camera and conducting on-camera interviews
• Ability to manage multiple stories and formats in a fast-paced environment
• Understanding of audience strategy and digital publishing
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check

Preferred qualifications

• Experience covering boats, outdoor recreation, travel, consumer products or a related subject
• Demonstrated knowledge of boats and boating culture
• Experience with video editing and YouTube programming
• Experience producing product reviews, demonstrations or comparison content
• Familiarity with consumer buying journeys, affiliate-supported content or commerce journalism
• Knowledge of newsletter strategy and performance metrics
• Experience using audience data to identify and develop coverage opportunities

How success will be measured

• Growth in engaged audience across shoppers, recreationists and enthusiasts
• Development of a consistent and recognizable voice for the Boats hub
• Performance of original video across relevant platforms
• Search, social and direct audience growth
• Growth in repeat visitation and audience loyalty
• Timeliness, usefulness and distinctiveness of coverage
• Development of successful recurring topics, formats and franchises
• Effective collaboration with journalists across the USA TODAY Network
• Use of performance insights to improve coverage and distribution

Application instructions

We’re eager to learn more about you and how you would build an ambitious, consumer-focused Boats hub. When applying, please upload a single PDF document that includes:

• Your resume
• A cover letter explaining your approach to serving boat shoppers, recreationists and enthusiasts
• Links to three to six examples of your reporting, video or other digital work
• A brief description of one story or video franchise you would launch for the Boats hub

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 $58K and $90K. Variable incentive compensation, including commissions, is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, education level, location, and union representation, if applicable

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