State Government Reporter

Iowa Public Radio • Des Moines, IA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Iowa Public Radio is seeking a curious, skilled journalist to serve as its next state government reporter. This role involves tracking the legislature's activities, reporting on how state government's work affects Iowans after the session ends, and playing a key role in election coverage. The position is based in Des Moines. The organization is a well-respected and thriving non-profit committed to impactful journalism, ethics, and diversity.

Requirements

• 3 years’ experience as a Reporter, Producer, Correspondent, or other journalism-related role
• Understanding of the legislative process and how legislation advances
• Experience using audio recording equipment and digital audio editing packages, such as Adobe Audition.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but equivalent professional experience and a strong portfolio of work are highly valued
• Experience reporting political events, which may include legislative sessions, Supreme Court rulings, and other government-related issues
• Experience in reporting for public radio
• Strong broadcast writing skills, particularly in radio
• Ability to produce multimedia materials, online audio, photos or video using standard production tools

Responsibilities

• Writes broadcast and digital stories on Iowa state government activities and their effect on residents of the state
• Tracks the daily schedule during the legislative session and sets coverage priorities in consultation with IPR News managers
• Co-hosts River to River’s weekly legislative program, helping interview lawmakers about the given week’s topic
• Follows and reports on state government issues outside of the legislative session
• Develops sources in state government and travels to the site of news events as needed
• Maintains advance event files for beat area
• Provides IPR News managers with input on direction of daily and long-term coverage
• Arranges sharing finished news stories and story elements with other news networks and agencies when appropriate
• Participates in the network’s on-going marketing and fundraising efforts such as the on-air fund drive and special events
• Participates in a variety of Iowa Public Radio events each fiscal year
• Completes other duties as assigned

Benefits

• health benefits
• a retirement plan with a 2-to-1 employer match
• immediate accrual of vacation (16 hours monthly) and sick (12 hours monthly) time
• a flexible work environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree