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…