Job Description

Do you enjoy seeing how a state’s laws get made? Can you boil down complicated issues into stories that are understandable and relatable? Iowa Public Radio is looking for a curious, skilled journalist to serve as our next state government reporter.

We’re interested in someone who will not only track the legislature’s activities but also follow up after the session ends by reporting on how state government’s work affects people throughout Iowa. You’ll also play a key role in our election coverage.

This position is based in Des Moines, Iowa’s largest city and part of the fastest-growing metro area in the Midwest. There are lots of places to catch a concert, enjoy a great meal, watch a game, or bike for miles on one of the area’s many trails.

If you’re passionate about impactful journalism, care about ethics and diversity, can handle several things at once and are committed to making great radio, we’d love to hear from you.

We know there are great candidates who might not exactly fit into what we’ve described here or who have important skills we haven’t listed. If that sounds like you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Iowa Public Radio is a well-respected and thriving non-profit organization. We offer an excellent benefits package, including 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 and a flexible work environment.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $55,000 - $65,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

65% Story Development and Reporting

• 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 report on state government issues outside of the legislative session
• Develops sources in state government and travels to the site of news events as needed

25% Editing and Filing

• 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

10% Other

• 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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 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

APPLICATION PROCESS:

For full consideration, applications must include the following:

1. A detailed resume .
2. A narrative carefully detailing how your experience compares to the job duties and qualifications listed for this position. The narrative should not exceed two pages.
3. Sample(s) of your work:
   1. Writing sample s that include spot news and a news-oriented feature.
   2. Online content you have produced (please send links). Online content can be a web build-out of a radio story or news content that was designed to be web-only. Please do not send stories you have produced with the help of a national network.
   3. Demo containing one newscast-length story (spot), and one feature-length report (3:00-5:00) that you have edited and produced. If you have one, we’d love to hear a sample of a two-way you did with a program host, or an interview you’ve conducted for a podcast or other audio production. Please upload the demo to Soundcloud or another hosting site and send IPR links.
4. Names and contact information, including email addresses, for three work references , including at least one supervisory reference

Employment at Iowa Public Radio is dependent upon successful completion of a criminal background check including a driving record review and professional reference checks. 

IPR will accept applications through 5:00 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026.

  OUR VALUES:

•   Integrity : We maintain the highest standards of journalism, providing trustworthy and relevant content with meaningful context.
• Curiosity : We serve an inquisitive audience by asking questions, seeking knowledge, and exploring new ideas.
• Belonging : We strive to reflect Iowa’s cultural complexity by offering a supportive, equitable space for individuals and communities to tell the stories unique to their lived experiences.
• Respect : We create a culture of respect for our audience, sources, and staff.
• Innovation : We support creativity and embrace new ways of serving our audience.

  OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Iowa Public Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, please notify the appropriate local, state or federal agency.

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