Job Description

The Baltimore Sun seeks a sports columnist to lead the public discussion around Baltimore’s biggest sports stories — and the national moments that resonate locally. This position will be integral in The Sun’s coverage of the Orioles, Ravens, University of Maryland athletics, colleges, the Preakness and high school sports.

We’re looking for a sharp voice who can deliver smart, nuanced commentary, in-depth analysis and capture what sports means in this city. Whether through columns, social media engagement, digital storytelling or public events, the columnist will spark conversation, challenge assumptions and elevate the discourse around Baltimore’s sports scene.

A successful candidate would focus on engaging readers with social media, driving digital subscriptions, generating page views, assisting with breaking news and contributing to enterprise and investigative reporting across sports beats. This candidate would be responsible for not only generating column ideas with compelling headlines but also planning and collaborating with reporters and editors to provide wall-to-wall coverage of Baltimore sports and big events that readers can't find anywhere else.

Essential Functions

• Write well-reported and off-the-cuff columns about Baltimore sports and national stories with local appeal
• Break news and develop strong sources across multiple beats
• Collaborate with the social media team to create and plan engaging video content
• Represent The Baltimore Sun in TV segments and public appearances
• Use audience analytics and news judgment to inform decision-making
• Assist with audience strategies and story planning for upcoming events and games
• Edit daily copy as needed
• Work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends
• Participate in occasional in-office meetings

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in sports journalism
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Excellent knowledge of SEO and digital strategies
• Proven ability to work quickly and accurately using a Web-based content management system

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

Individual compensation may vary from the target range based on several factors such as experience, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations.

Application Submission

Please include a cover letter and résumé. In your cover letter, please highlight three different types of stories you have worked on along with a brief description of your roles.

Please upload samples of your previous reporting/editing work, such as news articles, feature stories, or investigative reports, that demonstrate your ability to cover/edit stories clearly, accurately, and with compelling detail.

The Baltimore Sun is committed to building a diverse newsroom that reflects the people it covers and the audience it serves. Candidates are encouraged to highlight new perspectives they can bring to our team.

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