Deputy Chief Bureau Reporter - Cedar Rapids, IA

Adams Communications Co•Cedar Rapids, IA

4d•$52,000 - $64,000•Onsite

About The Position

The political reporter covers Iowa politics at the national, state and regional level and provides context and analysis of potential action or lack of action from the state’s governing bodies and departments of government through original reporting. Working in collaboration with bureau chief, the political reporter focuses on happenings at the statehouse in Des Moines during the legislative session and takes the lead on a political branch (House or Senate) as well as focusing on action of Iowa’s elected federal officials. The role is focused on analysis and enterprise reporting of state and federal campaigns during the election cycles. This role produces enterprise, investigative/interpretative and breaking news reporting across platforms and should be comfortable representing reporting on other platforms, such as in person, video, broadcast and newsletters on an ongoing basis.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in journalism, English or related course of study.
Must have a valid driver's license and history of safe driving habits.
Candidates must demonstrate ability to work quickly and accurately and must have ideas on how to present news in an ever-changing media landscape.
Approximately 2-5 years of experience in a multimedia newsroom is required.

Nice To Haves

Willing to work flexible hours
Self-motivated
Creative go-getter
Problem solver
Works well on a team with varying abilities
Exceptional editorial skills
Ability to recognize stories with high potential for audience impact
Comfortable working in broadcast and podcast settings
Works well with others
Attentive to follow-up with sources and customers

Responsibilities

Works with bureau chief to determine, plan and staff coverage through collaboration with reporters, editing staff and provides communication to internal and other partner news organizations.
Regularly monitors government agendas and other sources and makes determinations on which stories are most important.
Analyzes and interprets actions of the state legislature and political bodies; monitors decisions in all branches of state government.
Covers and interprets or collects analysis on important state government meetings, campaign trail events with an eye to producing both daily and in-depth enterprise and investigative stories.
Serves as host, panelist or commentator on political podcasts and statewide politics broadcasts and provides analysis of political and public events on as needed basis.
Maintains a list of story ideas relevant to readers and viewers, with emphasis on original enterprise stories that set an agenda for Eastern Iowa and state.
Finds ways to tell stories which explain impacts of decisions through the eyes of those impacted.
Effectively communicates with the visual team when added level of photos/videos is required. Uses basic video and photo skills to compliment stories on a regular basis.
Can collect and edit basic audio and video recordings, edit and post to websites.
Utilizes open records and other tools to get source materials on a frequent basis.
Regularly writes a newsletter that provides updates and interpretive analysis on happenings in various levels of state government and of elected officials.
Demonstrates proficiency in using existing and new tools to gather, display and report content and also present news in context. Attends training to learn and apply these tools.
Stays informed about state government happenings, trends in other states and updates knowledge on a regular basis. Sets annual goals to add or improve skills. Keep up on current events. Attends training sessions. Assists with finding ways to help implement new technology.
Establishes a network of sources in and around state government, political campaigns and other experts to obtain the best possible information.
Fills in as bureau chief on as needed basis.
Adheres to all professional and company policies and ethical standards.