WATE 6 On Your Side, the ABC Affiliate in Knoxville, Tennessee, is looking for a dynamic, passionate storyteller to lead our sports department.  You will be responsible for motivating our sports team and leading on-air and digital coverage.  We are looking for an enthusiastic leader with a strong work ethic who can put together a great coverage plan and build solid sports sources. 

Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee and Vol Nation. But there’s more to this "Scruffy City” than Saturdays in the fall. Knoxville offers great food, a bustling arts and music scene and a wide variety of outdoor activities. The city is also on Forbes’ list of Most Affordable Cities and U.S. News list of the Top 100 Places to Live. 

The Sports Director produces and anchors sports reports for all platforms in a manner that is clear, engaging and meaningful to news consumers.

Job Summary:
The Sports Director will shoot, report and edit local sports stories for broadcasts on-air and on all digital platforms. Anchoring sportscasts is included in regular duties. Will be working individually or as part of a team to produce compelling packages on deadline and the time management skills to produce news stories.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leads, motivates and schedules sports teamProduces and presents sports reports for all platformsEnsures that all sports content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production qualityWrites and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise mannerAssists in writing, copy editing, researching and coordinating sports programming and other contentResponds to breaking sports events and other urgent newsrooms situations as requiredWorks closely with the sports team to develop comprehensive sports coverageParticipates in promotional activities including public appearancesPerforms special projects and other duties as assignedShoots video for sports reportsSets up, composes and executes video shotsMaintains video equipmentEdits video clips for television broadcasts and other platformsWrites stories for the website and other digital platformsInteracts with viewers and users on social media sites

Requirements & Skills:

Minimum 5-7 years of experience in sports reporting & anchoringBachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experienceComprehensive knowledge of sports and sports related activitiesFluency in EnglishExcellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when requiredSuperior on-air presenceExperience guiding, directing and motivating othersAbility to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skillsProficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipmentAbility to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneouslyAbility to effectively listen to fully understand problems and communicate with a team to shape a solutionValid driver's license with a good driving recordFlexibility to work any shift – including weekends

General Responsibilities:
Developing, reporting and coverage of local sports stories
Shooting and editing sports video
Finding and reporting stores that target our key/core viewers
Live reports
Staying current on sports topics, local teams and local sports developments through reading, research and contact with sports sources
Posting sports stories, commentary on all station Social Media platforms
Learning and implementing all Newsroom technology
Produce high-quality sports packages
Develop sources and generate ideas
Other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication or related field preferred but prior experience as a sports director would be given consideration.
Minimum of 2 years of experience as a television news or sports reporter.
Strong sports knowledge is a requirement
Good writing skills and ability to function under deadline pressure
Shooting and video editing skills required
Strong communication skills

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled