Sports Writer Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Multimedia Content Creator, Sports Internship  

USA TODAY High School Sports is the nation’s leading destination for high school athletics, telling the stories of student athletes, teams, and communities across the country. From Friday night lights to championship moments, we spotlight the passion, dedication, and culture that make high school sports special. 

We are looking for talented Multimedia Content Creators to help bring local coverage to life through authentic, short-form video and social-first storytelling as part of an internship program for current high school students in the Des Moines area. 

Everything we publish is rooted in strong journalism, creativity, and a deep respect for the student-athletes and schools we cover. Our goal is to capture the moments that matter most on and off the field, in ways that resonate with fans, families, and communities. 

This position requires flexibility for afterschool afternoons, nights, and travel to games (in their local community) based on team schedules.  Work may also be in the newsroom. 

The position is based in our Des Moines newsroom, part of the USA TODAY Network. 

Sponsored by T-Mobile, the high school internship program will highlight local high school sports coverage from student journalists in select markets across the USA TODAY Network.

Working alongside editors at (local publication), students will gain real-world experience writing, creating video content, and driving audience engagement on social media platforms. 
Select interns may be featured in a short-form video chronicling their internship experience.

Responsibilities: 

• Film and edit short-form video content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and more 

• Craft written stories and profiles on local high school athletes.  

• Create thumb-stopping content with strong hooks, pacing, and captions 

• Stay up to date on social trends, audio, and formats and suggest ways we can use them authentically 

• Capture on-camera moments including interviews, quick player spotlights, and fun facility recaps 

• Create short-form videos for TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms that align with USA TODAY brand standards 

• Capture authentic moments at high school sporting events, practices, and community settings 

• Produce creative, scroll-stopping clips that can be shared or promoted across USA TODAY High School Sports channels 

Requirements: 

• A high school student, college student, or recent graduate with access to local high school sports coverage 

• Minimum GPA 3.0 

• Passionate about creating video content and know how to tell a story in 60–90 seconds 

• Confident filming on your phone and editing short-form video directly on your phone 

• Comfortable being on camera and/or coaching others to be great on camera 

• Understand what performs on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts and how to create content that fits each platform 

• Organized, reliable, and able to work independently once trained 

• Available afternoons and evenings to cover games, events, and key moments in your area 

• This position requires the ability to reliably travel to off-site assignments, including high school athletic events. Candidates must have consistent and dependable means of transportation to all assigned locations. While possession of a valid driver’s license, access to a personal vehicle, and maintenance of at least the minimum liability insurance required by state law are preferred, they are not required. Candidates who do not possess a valid driver’s license are responsible for securing and maintaining reliable alternative transportation that enables them to meet all scheduling and attendance expectations.
• For minors, parental consent and work permit required  

• Maximum daily and weekly hour limits, as well as restrictions on nighttime work, will be in accordance with applicable state laws.  

Application Instructions: 

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. A written or video cover letter detailing whyyou’rethe right person for the job, your careerambitionsand your favorite sports memory. If you do not include a cover letter, you will not be considered. 

1. Links to any online samples of digital storytelling (written or video). Show us whatyou’veproduced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role. 

1. Letter of recommendation from a school administrator or teacher.  

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.