General Assignment Politics Reporter at Gannett in Des Moines, Iowa

Job Description:

General Assignment Politics Reporter

The Des Moines Register is seeking a general assignment politics reporter with the reporting range to cover breaking political news, fill in at the Statehouse and develop enterprise and investigative reporting related to politics.

This reporter will produce quick-turn enterprise that examines the impact of government policy as well as investigative work that holds public officials and state government accountable.

Applicants should have demonstrated expertise in acquiring and analyzing data and in obtaining exclusive information through filing public records requests.

Des Moines is a state capital, and Iowa is home to the first-in-the-nation Republican presidential caucuses, making the state a hotbed of political news. This reporter will also contribute to campaign coverage, including fact-checking statements by candidates and analyzing campaign finance data.

We're looking for someone who can develop a deep network of sources, has a skill for storytelling across platforms and enjoys working with a team.

This reporter should be comfortable taking photos and producing video as needed and using social media, other digital tools, alternative story forms and broadcast appearances to present news in a variety of formats that best suit the intended audience. He or she will use metrics to understand what's resonating with readers and will shape coverage to steadily increase target audiences.

Des Moines is a growing city that is home to a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and a large community of young professionals living downtown.

The Des Moines Register is a 17-time Pulitzer Prize winner with a national reputation for its political reporting. We reach readers across the state with our daily Des Moines Register editions, our award-winning DesMoinesRegister.com website and other publications.

Responsibilities:

• Research, report and produce compelling content that informs and engages readers.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
• Use live video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.
• Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries, video - that are tailored to the right platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the audience.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism, communication or an equivalent combination of education and experience in local news.
• At least three years of professional journalism experience. Previous state capitol or congressional reporting experience is preferred.
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
• Demonstrated track record for keen news judgment, ethical decision-making and fair play.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to no more than three published stories, writing samples and/or audio samples.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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