Deputy Chief Bureau Reporter - Cedar Rapids, IA

Deputy Bureau Chief - Political Reporter

Location - Cedar Rapids, IA

Summary: 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.

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.

Job skills & attributes: Ideal candidate will be willing to work flexible hours, self-motivated, creative go-getter and problem solver who works well on a team with varying abilities. Candidates must have exceptional editorial skills and the ability to recognize stories with high potential for audience impact. Must be comfortable working in broadcast and podcast settings. Must work well with others and be attentive to follow-up with sources and customers.

Minimum 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.

Salary: Exempt

For additional company information, visit www.adamspg.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.