Soccer/Breaking News Writer

Job Description

Posted Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11:00 PM

|Current USA TODAY Co. Employees- Please ensure you are using our abbreviated process on the internal Careers site by logging into Dayforce through MyApps| 

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid.     To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com

USA TODAY Sports is looking for a versatile and energetic soccer writer to play a crucial role on our breaking news team.

The ideal candidate should have a firm understanding of how to anticipate and deliver on audience needs at the speed of news, using on- and off-platform strategies and strong reporting instincts to maximize reach. This candidate should have advanced knowledge of global soccer scene and general knowledge of all sports. Experience using Google Trends to identify and prioritize stories to pursue for our audience is a must. The ability to work evenings and weekends is expected.

USA TODAY Co. is the nation’s largest news media organization, consisting of more than 230 properties, including USA TODAY. The candidate will work collaboratively with fast-moving teams across the enterprise to help achieve the company’s goal of becoming the dominant sports news source in the country.

This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii. Strong online communication skills are mandatory.

Responsibilities:

• Publishing stories at the speed of news and quickly reporting them forward to serve reader needs. 
• Complete and relentless surveillance of news in the sports world, including how to use Google Trends to identify existing stories and/or missed opportunities.
• Build a rolodex of sources and contacts to strengthen news delivery and quality. 
• Master best practices for maximum reach on search and commit to getting content to top of Google carousels. 
• Contribute to strategies on- and off-platform, including podcasts, vodcasts and vertical video. 
• Pristine communication to keep the workflow rolling and counter the difficulties of working remotely.
• Tracking story performance and being comfortable in an environment of constant adjustment to reach performance goals.
• Contribute to any evolving USA TODAY Sports strategy, vertical or initiative as needed. 

Requirements:

• College degree in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years’ experience as a sports journalist, with focus on fast-paced digital content production and multimedia expertise.
• Strong reporting instincts and proven ability to break news. 
• Strong ability to self-start, survey sports landscape and react. 
• A history of collaboration, innovation and goal achievement.
• Proven ability to maximize readership by anticipating news, researching trends and delivering in a variety of story formats.
• Excellent communication and time-management skills.
• Understanding of various news and information content management systems.
• Approachability, personal charisma and a commitment to staff.
• Knowledge of the changing sports media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
• Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.

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.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role. 

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 hourly rate for this role will range between $24.28 and $37.94. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.  

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.

Job Details

Job Family

Media

Job Function

Content Production

Pay Type

Hourly

Education Level

Equivalent Experience