Political Reporter & Editor
About the role
Iowa Public Radio is hiring a political reporter‑editor for its Des Moines newsroom. You will report on state politics for broadcast and digital platforms, lead coverage of the Iowa caucuses, work with IPR news managers to coordinate election‑coverage strategy, guide other reporters on political stories, and help plan election night coverage. The position is based in Des Moines, Iowa’s largest city and part of the fastest‑growing metro area in the Midwest. The ideal candidate is curious, motivated, and deeply interested in the issues that affect Iowans, with strong editorial judgment, the ability to write quickly and clearly while telling a good story, a passion for impactful journalism, a commitment to ethics and diversity, and the ability to handle multiple tasks while being dedicated to making great radio.
Responsibilities
- Report on state politics for broadcast and digital platforms
- Lead coverage of the Iowa caucuses
- Work with IPR news managers to coordinate election‑coverage strategy
- Guide other IPR reporters in their work on political stories
- Help plan election night coverage
- Coordinate and produce special political projects ranging from stories to podcasts
- Assist in editing IPR reporters’ political reporting
Requirements
- Five years of experience working in a professional journalism environment
- Understanding of local, state and federal political systems
- Experience working in multimedia platforms, including photographs, video and web platforms
- Experience operating a variety of broadcast equipment including audio boards, digital editing systems (e.g. Adobe Audition), field recording units, and other production equipment
- Valid state‑issued driver’s license and reliable transportation
Qualifications
- Three years of experience in political reporting
- Eye for diverse voices and sources in stories
- Strong writing skills and experience editing the work of other reporters
- Experience as a public radio reporter and/or