The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press is seeking a dynamic sports reporter to help lead our coverage of college athletics. We’re looking for someone with a track record of breaking news, executing compelling journalism in multiple formats and being a leader in writing about trends and topics that dominate college sports. Candidates will need to have reliable sources and ideas to keep AP on the vanguard of setting the agenda in this highly important coverage area. This is a staff position covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild. 

Based in Atlanta, this reporter will be in one of the hotbeds of college sports with access to some of the top newsmakers and programs in the country. The job goes far beyond the South, with important storylines that stretch coast to coast. Football and basketball are the primary beats of interest, with a strong emphasis on the SEC, but covering the outsized influence of money, athlete independence and the disintegration of the amateur model is critically important. 

The job will include occasional coverage of local teams, including the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, Dream and United, along with the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech.

We’re looking for someone who will:

• Break and deliver spot news, features, profiles and analysis – including deeply reported enterprise – that have impact and are exclusive to AP.
• Thrive with a diverse team of journalists to pitch stories across all formats – text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics – and collaborate from a story’s inception to its publication.
• Have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate and drive important journalism.
• Pursue innovative and inclusive coverage that maintains AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as at least three years of full-time journalism experience.
• All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.
• Applicants must be able and willing to work any shift, including nights and weekends, or as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation. This is a staff position covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild.

Preferred Qualifications: This reporter should have a proven track record of building reliable sources with players, leagues, teams, agents and officials. You should have strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. Cover letters to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role are required.
 

This position is covered by The Associated Press’ contract with the News Media Guild, which provides for an annual salary for Class A staff of between $52,046 and $82,934 based on location and years of professional experience. AP may offer additional compensation based on a job candidate’s skills, qualifications and market location.

The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits which include:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Company paid life insurance
• Paid vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave for any new parent
• Mental health resources

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

Application deadline is January 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
 

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities, including women and BIPOC, to apply.