Iowa Public Radio is looking for an early-career journalist to join us as a news fellow.  This one-year program is designed for a person who knows the basics of broadcast journalism and would benefit from a year of mentorship while working as a general assignment reporter in IPR’s Des Moines newsroom.  

You’ll work closely with our assistant news director on everything from story pitch and assignment to final production.  You’ll also receive guidance on writing for the web, as well as in field recording and basic photography.  At the end of your fellowship, our goal is for you to have sharpened the skills you’ll need to compete for full-time openings in the public media system, including IPR.  Our newsroom is a mix of award-winning veteran and early career journalists and is a great place to work.

Des Moines regularly shows up on Top Ten lists of great places to live for recreation, low cost of living, and more. It has a wide selection of restaurants and brew pubs, and lots of places to catch live music – from small clubs to big summer festivals.  Like to bike? Check out the few hundred miles of connected bike trails that will take you from downtown, through the suburbs, and into the countryside.

If you’re passionate about impactful journalism, care about ethics and diversity, and are eager to learn more about making great radio, we’d love to hear from you.

Iowa Public Radio offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, 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:

$40,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

70% Story Production

• Research, write and produce accurate stories for IPR news broadcasts and the web;

• Participate in interviews with newsmagazine and talk show program hosts, as needed, to discuss stories; and

• Participate in daily editorial meetings.

20% Research

• Stay informed on issues in the Des Moines metro, maintaining a file or calendar of upcoming events or opportunities to update stories.

10% Other

• Participate in a variety of Iowa Public Radio events; and

• Performs other duties as directed by the Assistant News Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Up to 1 year of experience (including internships) working in a professional journalism environment;

• Demonstrated ability to generate story ideas;

• Good broadcast and web writing skills; 

• Experience operating a variety of broadcast equipment including audio boards, digital editing systems (e.g. Adobe Audition), field recording units and other production equipment; and 

• A valid state-issued driver’s license and reliable transportation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with broadcast or audio reporting; and 

• Previous public media experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

For full consideration, applications must include the following:

1. A detailed resume.
2. Cover letter describing how your experience relates to the duties and minimum qualifications; 
3. Samples of the broadcast scripts for two news stories you produced (one can be a web story).
4. Audio sample of a story you’ve produced.  Can be uploaded to SoundCloud or another service that can be shared with us.

Please apply online at https://www.iowapublicradio.org/careers-at-ipr. Employment at Iowa Public Radio is dependent upon successful completion of a criminal background check including a driving record review.

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.

IPR will accept applications through 5:00 PM, September 30, 2024. 

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.