Job Description

WTAJ is searching for our next SPORTS DIRECTOR to lead our award-winning sports team in Altoona, PA. You’ll be providing top-notch coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers as part of our “Black and Gold Nation” program, which airs in several TV markets across the region. You’ll also cover local high school sports (especially football!), the Penn State Nittany Lions, and the Altoona Curve, a minor league team affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates. You’ll also host our daily sports talk show, “Xtra Points,” on our streaming channel.

You must have the ability to see and think beyond the highlights, and you must have an eye for great visual content. We need someone who thrives on sports storytelling and is driven to provide creating, compelling, competitive coverage on air, online, and on our streaming channel, WTAJ+.

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

• Produces and presents sports content for WTAJ, WTAJ.com, and WTAJ+, as well as social media
• Ensures that all sports content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality
• Writes and delivers sports stories in a clear and concise manner
• Optimizes visuals for coverage, including shooting video for sports reports and creating graphics
• Responds to breaking sports events and other urgent newsrooms situations as required
• Participates in promotional activities including public appearances
• Produces digital sports content for WTAJ.com and WTAJ+ as well as social media
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned

• Minimum five years' experience in sports reporting or anchoring
• Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of sports and sports related activities
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required
• Superior on-air presence
• Experience guiding, directing and motivating others
• Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• Flexibility to work any shift