Job description
Playon is searching for a Staff Writer to join our Editorial team, dedicated to delivering quality, engaging content to our audience. From schedules and scores to breaking news to rankings and awards, we are committed to the mission of being America’s source for high school sports.
The Staff Writer will be responsible for researching, pitching and writing compelling stories that appeal to our audience and align with our brand voice. In addition to news and game coverage, you will be asked to transform data and research projects into content that can thrive across multiple platforms including social media and video.
The ideal candidate has a background in sports media with a strong grasp on the high school landscape. A sharp eye for news, experience with search engine optimization (SEO) and an understanding of how audiences consume content is preferred. Experience editing and publishing is a plus.
The outcomes you’ll deliver
• Increase in new paying subscribers through compelling storytelling.
• Generate stories and content to help department reach annual audience goals.
• Work collaboratively with social media and video teams to aid in positioning content across multiple platforms.
• Foster positive brand affinity among our audience.
In this role, you can expect to
- Create. Writing articles and contributing to video pieces.
- Anticipate and React. Cover breaking news with speed, accuracy and context.
- Ideate. Pitch and develop story ideas that resonate with high school sports fans.
- Be the Face of the Brand. Conduct research and interviews with athletes and coaches.
- Collaborate. Work with editors and other team members to amplify content.
- Deliver. Meet daily and weekly deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
To thrive in this role, you have
- 2+ years of sports media/journalism experience with an emphasis on high school sports.
- A strong portfolio that demonstrates your ability to write AP Style, create compelling stories and stand out in a crowded sports media landscape.
- An ability to think big-picture and balance creativity with business objectives. Strong understanding of branding and audience behavior.
- Experience with Adobe Photoshop, content-management systems (CMS).
- To find motivation and inspiration in fast-moving, fluid environments.
- Bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree-level preferred.
- Strong understanding of fan culture and passion for the sports industry is a plus.
Company Overview
PlayOn is a dynamic growth-stage company dedicated to championing the spirit of play in the high school space. Backed by KKR, our family of brands—including GoFan, NFHS Network, and MaxPreps—empowers schools with innovative solutions and exceptional service. Our fan engagement platform is the only one that offers event ticketing, streaming, fundraising, concessions, merchandise sales, and website management in one place. We save administrators time so they can focus on what truly matters: supporting the students, staff, and fans who bring their programs to life.
Trusted by thousands of schools across the country, we’re here to help create more instant replays, hold-your-breath moments, last-minute comebacks, and games you want to watch over and over again.
When being there means everything, we make sure you never miss a moment.
Why you’ll love working at PlayOn
Product, potential, and people. We’re a leader in the high school event space, constantly evolving our product to meet the needs of administrators. We focus on solving real challenges, learning quickly, and creating impactful solutions.
This is a growth-stage company, meaning your contributions have real impact. You’ll have opportunities to grow your skills, tackle meaningful problems, and make a difference in the lives of schools and the students and fans they serve.
Our culture is built on accountability, collaboration, growth, and fairness. We don’t just show up—we show up for each other. Everyone wears the same jersey, and we play hard, make the extra pass, and cheer one another on. Losses teach us, challenges motivate us, and persistence drives us forward. We value integrity over shortcuts, choosing to do what’s right even when it’s hard. Together, we strive to be better every day—because we know that’s how we win as a team.
The Benefits We Offer
Multiple medical insurance plans to choose from
Dental, vision life and disability insurance
Employee Emergency Fund
Company equity (stock options)
Open PTO policy
401K plan with company match
Hybrid/flexible work environment
Note: Must be a full-time employee to participate in the company’s employee health benefit plan. Part-time employees and interns are not eligible to participate.