At a Glance
- Tasks: Write engaging stories about Lambourn's vibrant racing scene and connect with local trainers and jockeys.
- Company: Join Spotlight Sports Group, a leader in media and tech for racing and sports betting.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and your birthday off work!
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities to volunteer with our charity partner.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of racing, uncovering stories that excite fans and shape the industry.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills, racing knowledge, and a passion for storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Spotlight Sports Group is a global media and technology company with a clear purpose, to set the standard for trusted, customer-driven experiences across global racing and sports betting. Guided by our mission to create experiences that fans love, we combine more than 40 years of heritage with bold innovation to deliver award-winning content, data and digital products.
The Racing Post is looking for a dynamic, creative and energetic journalist to serve as our regional correspondent in Lambourn, the renowned racing village in Berkshire which is home to two dozen trainers including six-time champion Nicky Henderson. As a senior journalist in our reporting team, you will be responsible for producing a wide range of news and feature stories covering Lambourn and the wider racing industry, focusing on providing readers with an unrivalled window into one of the world's busiest and most famous racehorse training centres.
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about throwing themselves into Lambourn life, building contacts with local trainers, jockeys and stable staff and regularly visiting yards and gallops, and will have a fantastic nose for the sort of stories that interest our readers.
Responsibilities:
- Write, edit and record compelling news, features, newsletters, interviews, stable tours and other content, focused on Lambourn, the local community and the wider racing world, for the Racing Post newspaper, website and app.
- Write a weekly/fortnightly email newsletter focused on Lambourn news, developments and gossip.
- Daily regional tipping focused on Lambourn runners.
- Be a regular source of ideas for news and feature items from your local patch.
- Produce audio-visual output as part of editorial content packages.
- Act as an ambassador and representative for the Racing Post fostering good relations with racing professionals and others in the region.
- Any other duties as required.
Requirements:
- Excellent racing knowledge and strong writing ability.
- Proven track record of delivering scoops and generating story ideas.
- Driving licence and vehicle.
- Relocation to the Lambourn area.
Key relationships:
The successful candidate will be required to work closely with a number of editorial departments such as news, premium and video, as well as marketing and external contacts such as racing professionals in the region.
Benefits:
We offer a range of well-being initiatives, including private medical insurance, excellent parental leave, a working globally policy, mental health support, assistance programs, and social gatherings. We also provide a pension scheme and various other benefit schemes. Plus, we all get our birthdays off work and enjoy 25 days of holiday per year. We’ve also got you covered with life assurance and exclusive perks like the Star card and our Step Further Awards (our employee recognition program) to recognise your dedication. For those working via the hybrid model (in the office and at home) we’ve made commuting easier with our Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work Scheme. You can also take advantage of complimentary access to our Racing Post Members Club, complete with an Ultimate Membership. We believe in making a positive impact beyond the workplace, and you'll have the chance to volunteer two days per year with our charity partner.
Lambourn Correspondent, Racing Post employer: Spotlight Sports Group
Spotlight Sports Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees while fostering a vibrant work culture. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the company offers comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, generous parental leave, and a unique birthday off policy, alongside opportunities for professional development and community engagement through volunteering. Located in a dynamic industry, employees can thrive in a supportive environment that values their contributions and encourages a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lambourn Correspondent, Racing Post
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Spotlight Sports Group!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Spotlight Sports Group, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Lambourn Correspondent, Racing Post
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Spotlight Sports Group:When applying for the Lambourn Correspondent, Racing Post role at Spotlight Sports Group, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Spotlight Sports Group produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spotlight Sports Group
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Spotlight Sports Group. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
