Sports Editor

About The Tribune

The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent voice since 1871. Unlike many media organizations, The Tribune operates as a non-profit newsroom, meaning our journalism is not driven by shareholder demands or corporate interests. We are committed to independent, free, public-service journalism centered on Utah communities.

Today, we continue to expand our reach across Utah through innovative reporting across platforms, strong community engagement and new local initiatives. We’re seeking a Sports Editor to join our team and help advance this mission by leading ambitious sports journalism that reflects the power, culture, impact — and joy  — of sports in Utah.

The Role

Sports in Utah are no longer simply entertainment. They shape politics, public spending, higher education, neighborhoods, identity and culture. From Olympic development and stadium deals to college athletics and fan culture, sports increasingly intersect with some of the biggest stories in the state.

The Salt Lake Tribune is seeking a Sports Editor who sees sports coverage as a form of public-service journalism. This role is not centered on game stories, standings or transactional coverage. We are looking for an editor who can lead ambitious reporting on the systems, money, power dynamics and communities surrounding sports - while still embracing the energy, passion and connection that make sports meaningful to audiences.

Utah is home to the NBA’s Jazz, the NHL’s Mammoth, two Big 12 Conference powers, a pair of professional soccer teams, minor league baseball, and the site of the 2034 Winter Olympics. We want to tell deeper stories about what those institutions mean for Utahns while providing lively daily coverage to connect with readers and listeners across platforms. 

You’ll play a key role in growing our audience, experimenting with new formats and events.

Reporting Structure

This role reports to the Deputy Executive Editor and works closely with news leadership, visuals, audience and data teams. This is a full-time, salaried, benefitted position. This is a hybrid position, with at least two days per week in office and travel as needed for major sporting events.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and shape sports coverage that emphasizes culture, business, and power alongside competition
• Edit and coach reporters through breaking news, long-term investigations and enterprise work 
• Help reporters navigate public records requests and pursue accountability reporting
• Build strong relationships with Utah communities and sports fans while maintaining editorial independence
• Use audience data and reader insights to inform story selection and coverage approach and priorities
• Develop and grow storytelling across platforms, including YouTube, three newsletters and emerging formats
• Foster a collaborative, supportive newsroom culture

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary of $80,000 - $90,000 based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off, sick leave, and parental leave
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term & long-term disability
• Flexible hours and hybrid work options
• Cellphone stipend + mileage reimbursement 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for qualified employees

Why Join Us

This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to help shape the future of sports journalism at one of the country’s most innovative nonprofit newsrooms. You’ll help redefine how Utah sports stories are told — combining watchdog reporting, audience engagement and creative digital storytelling to reach fans across the state and beyond.

The Salt Lake Tribune is an inclusive employer. We’re committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve, and we strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrated experience editing ambitious journalism with an accountability or enterprise focus
• Strong understanding of public records laws and investigative reporting techniques
• Proven ability to guide reporters through breaking news and complex stories
• Experience growing audience engagement across digital platforms, specifically newsletters and video channels
• Experience coaching journalists and helping them grow their skills
• Understanding of audience needs and comfort using data to inform editorial decisions
• Commitment to ethical journalism and holding powerful people and institutions to account

The ideal candidate may come from sports journalism, but they may also come from investigative, politics, culture, business, education or local news backgrounds. What matters most is strong editorial judgment, a collaborative mindset, an eagerness to experiment and a belief that sports journalism can be revelatory, urgent and essential.