Des Moines Register seeks a business reporter

The Des Moines Register/desmoinesregister.com, part of the USA Today Network, is seeking an experienced reporter to produce consumer-oriented enterprise and watchdog work focused on central Iowa’s real estate market.

The Des Moines area is the Midwest’s fastest-growing large metro, according to the latest census. Home prices have appreciated rapidly in the past few years, and the downtown has seen an apartment and condo boom. Consumers have an almost insatiable appetite for news about where the real estate market is heading and what kind of home they can move into at different rent or mortgage price points. This reporter will write about trends in pricing and housing availability for people of all income levels, from affordable housing to luxury homes.

This job requires an experienced reporter with data analysis skills who can develop exclusive enterprise such as home appreciation by neighborhood. It requires the ability to digest complex subjects for our audience and to juggle occasional daily stories with quick-turn and long-term enterprise. The ideal candidate will have relentless curiosity about all things housing, from a fun feature (a recent story featured a high-end home with a circular slide between floors instead of stairs) to an investigation into potentially unsafe construction.

The reporter will use live chats, social media, video and other tools to replace or supplement traditional story forms and will use metrics to understand what’s resonating with readers. For example, the reporter might do a standup video on the scene of a new development or text-on-image videos using Wochit or iMovie. Responsibilities also will include developing a newsletter that uses a conversational voice and showcases the reporter’s best work.

All reporters at the Register handle occasional general assignments and breaking news.

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 content that continuously grows a fan base by informing and engaging readers.
Act as a public ambassador through community outreach and connect with readers through social media.
Use live video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.
Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues. Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.
Work with newsroom leaders to shape storytelling to meet audience needs and interests tailored to appropriate platforms.
Contribute to the community’s greater good through impactful journalism.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience. We will also consider candidates with strong internships.
At least three years of professional reporting experience.
Ability to shoot photos and video and file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
Solid communication and time management skills.
Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
Comfort with using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
A team player who enjoys collaborating with colleagues on coverage large and small.
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 post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & drug screen.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, 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 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

To apply, go here.