Are you an experienced journalist who cares deeply about holding the powerful accountable? Do you believe there are important stories to tell for and about Midwesterners? Are you passionate about growing and mentoring talented reporters?

If you answered “YES!” to the above questions, you should think about applying for this position: The Midwest Newsroom’s next Senior Content Editor.

Based at KCUR 89.7 in Kansas City, the Midwest Newsroom is a partnership between NPR and member stations to provide investigative journalism and enterprise reporting with a focus on Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

We’re looking for a Senior Content Editor who understands how to use multimedia tools to present compelling investigative reporting for audio and digital formats.

The partners in this collaboration are Iowa Public Radio, KCUR and St. Louis Public Radio in Missouri, Nebraska Public Media and NPR. We also work closely with Harvest Public Media and Kansas News Service. Our team includes an investigative reporter, data journalist, investigative editor and managing editor.

This person will be an employee of Iowa Public Radio and will be based at one of IPR’s locations: Ames, Des Moines, Cedar Falls or Iowa City. Some travel within the region is required.

Key Responsibilities

Help the partner stations incorporate investigative, data-driven reporting into their journalism, including feature stories and long-term projects;
Review and refine pitches from partners;
Manage Midwest Newsroom projects;
Lead and/or participate in investigative planning meetings with investigative editor;
Edit audio and digital stories;
Oversee the online execution of investigative projects with an eye to design, data visualization, format, images, accuracy (including copy editing);
Ensure multimedia packages adhere to network-level journalistic and ethical standards;
Ensure stories are considered through diverse perspectives, so they are inclusive, equitable and reflect the audiences we serve;
Manage Instagram and X channels as well as future social media;
Work with digital and social teams at partner stations to promote content;
Distribute content to news organizations for republication;
Participate in considering strategy for potential digital content initiatives (e.g. podcast, newsletter);
Track award-worthy work and submit to various journalism awards;
Extend support/coordinate with partners and NPR during regional breaking news.

QUALIFICATIONS: Please consider applying, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications listed.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience;
Experience producing and editing in-depth journalism, preferably investigative work;
Experience managing special projects;
Ability to work and communicate with colleagues at many experience and background levels;
Comfortable working in a multimedia setting;
Strong data analysis and data visualization experience;
Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to collaborate with colleagues in a variety of remote locations as well as in person;
Ability to think strategically, set goals and use metrics to track progress;
Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders;
Commitment to editorial standards of accuracy, thoroughness, ethics, balance and diversity;
Ability to exercise sound news judgment;
Ability to solve problems, manage complexity and be resilient;
Ability to communicate concisely and effectively;
Knowledge of the issues, cultures, people, geography and news opportunities in the Midwest;
Experience leading or participating in multi-partner collaborations;
A valid state-issued driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Application Process

For full consideration, applications must include:

A detailed resume;
A narrative detailing how your experience compares to the responsibilities of the position;
Sample(s) of your work.
DESIRABLE: Script for a news-oriented feature story you have produced or edited.
DESIRABLE: Sound file: One feature-length report (3:00-5:00) that you have written and produced. Please upload the demo to Soundcloud or another hosting site and send us the link.
REQUIRED: Online content you have produced (please send at least two links). Online content can be a web build-out of a radio story or news content that was designed to be web-only.

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

IPR will accept applications through 5:00 p.m. Monday, July 1, 2024.

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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Senior Content Editor, The Midwest Newsroom