Opinion Writer at Gannett in Des Moines, Iowa

Job Description:

The Des Moines Register seeks a skilled researcher and persuasive opinion writer who will help lead provocative conversations about issues critical to Iowans and their communities, through commentary across digital platforms, the print newspaper and virtual and in-person forums.

You would be part of a two-person opinion team, working with the opinion editor to develop commentary that is relentlessly focused on Des Moines metro and Iowa topics and is deeply reported, yet as appropriate turned quickly in response to news of the day. You will pivot quickly to write editorials and columns, solicit op-eds and conduct Q&As tied to urgent local topics.

You will serve as a member of the editorial board, discussing issues and writing editorials on behalf of the Register's editorial board as well as signed pieces. The board, which includes retired opinion writers, has long leaned center-left. Writers with conservative viewpoints are encouraged to apply.

The Register and the rest of the USA TODAY Network have spent the middle third of 2023 aiming to reinvigorate opinion departments as leaders in local conversations and in giving audiences reasons to keep coming back to our work.

The ideal candidate will be open-minded, welcoming of diverse viewpoints, invested in the community and passionate about honing sharp arguments yet collegial in debating issues with colleagues or readers with opposing views.

This writer will use live chats, video, social media and other digital tools to present commentary and engage readers and sources in novel ways.

Responsibilities include helping select and edit letters and guest columns, ensuring content is thoroughly researched, accurately sourced and meets the Register's journalistic and ethical standards; helping plan print pages; and contributing to the Register's long-term diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Des Moines is a growing state capital 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. We reach readers across the state with our daily Des Moines Register editions, our award-winning DesMoinesRegister.com website and various nondaily publications.

Responsibilities:

• Research, report and produce compelling commentary that informs, engages and persuades readers.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Respond quickly to the news of the day with well-reported commentary.
• Produce commentary in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, investigations, photo packages) that are tailored to the right platform (mobile, social media) to best reach the audience.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to reader demand and interest.
• Help select, edit and package opinion content for print and digital platforms.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• At least five years of professional writing experience.
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to write well on deadline.
• Understanding of metrics, social media and SEO.
• Solid news judgment.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Top-notch planning, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer background check, drug screen & motor vehicle record check.

Application Instructions:

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, show us what you've done. Put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

• Your resume - one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 7 to 10 writing samples. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format.
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