The Brainerd Dispatch has been delivering trusted local news to Brainerd, Minnesota, and the surrounding communities since 1896. Known for quality reporting that reflects the people and the stories of the region, the Dispatch earned first-place honors in multiple categories from the Minnesota Newspaper Association in 2024, including General Excellence, Best Magazine, and Best Advertisement - a true testament to the newsroom’s creativity, impact, and connection to its readers.

Brainerd is a welcoming community with a strong local economy and a quality of life that blends small-town charm with big-community amenities. Serving as a regional hub in central Minnesota, the area offers a diverse business environment, thriving downtown, and access to healthcare, education, and cultural events that make it attractive for professionals and families alike. Outdoor recreation (drag racing at the Brainerd International Raceway, anyone?), arts and culture, local festivals, and a lively restaurant and retail scene add to the community’s appeal, while nearby lakes and trails offer easy weekend escape. Live where others come to vacation!

The Brainerd Dispatch is part of Forum Communications Company, a fifth-generation, family-owned media organization with more than 20 publications across the Upper Midwest, collectively delivering local news to over 5 million readers every month.

Job Summary

A Sports Reporter is responsible for the news gathering efforts within the sports department, with a focus on building a loyal, engaged audience on each unique publishing platform.

Expected compensation for this role is $14.42 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Forum Communications Company is a family-owned media and technology leader with more than a century of delivering trusted, quality journalism and innovative business solutions. Storytelling is at the heart of who we are, but today, we’re so much more than a newspaper. As one of the Upper Midwest’s leading media organizations, we’re driving the future across print and digital news, sports streaming, technology, broadcasting, commercial printing, and full-service agency advertising.

Forum Communications Company offers the following to all Full-Time and 32-Hour Benefited employees:

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.

Essential Functions

• Research, report, and write compelling stories on assigned teams, games, athletes, and sports-related topics
• Provide consistent coverage of high school and college athletics, including game recaps, previews, and feature storie
• Respond quickly to breaking news by gathering information, writing stories, and producing photos or multimedia content under tight deadlines
• Publish content efficiently and accurately using digital content management systems and website platforms
• Collaborate with editors, photographers, and others across departments and locations to produce high-quality, cohesive coverage
• Contribute to broader sports and outdoors coverage as needed, adapting to seasonal and regional priorities
• Maintain strong news judgment and uphold journalistic integrity, accuracy, and AP style standards
• Build relationships with coaches, athletes, and community members to support ongoing coverage and source development
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.