Des Moines Register seeks biz reporter

The Des Moines Register is looking for a business reporter who’s eager to jump on the biggest stories in Iowa.

It wants a talented journalist who will balance general assignment work with coverage of economic development and jobs. The challenge will be to pick off the best business story of the day and run with it, aimed for the business page or 1A. This reporter must be a quick learner and clear storyteller who can jump on breaking news, find compelling angles from national stories and develop top-level enterprise.

The successful candidate will tell stories through blogs, video and other online tools, as well as deliver high-impact watchdog and explanatory pieces. Responsibilities include creating a daily morning e-newsletter that will contain links to the top business stories.

The beat work includes examining the state’s economic development policies and initiatives. The responsibilities include coverage of two major state agencies – the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Workforce Development – and also develop sources among business leaders, economists and other experts. Iowa has attracted billion-dollar projects – including a Facebook data center and a controversial fertilizer plant – and our readers expect the Des Moines Register to ask tough questions, including whether providing generous state and local incentives will pay off in sufficient jobs and growth. The beat also includes occasional coverage of Iowa manufacturers.

You’ll be part of a business team that has won Overall Excellence six times in the last eight years in SABEW’s Best in Business contest, as well as a slew of other awards. A bachelor’s degree and experience at a newspaper or other professional publication required. Digital experience preferred. Please include five to seven samples of your published work. We offer a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, generous vacation policy, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and more. The Des Moines Register is committed to diversity and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug test and acceptable motor vehicle record.

Des Moines is Iowa’s rapidly growing capital city with fast growing suburbs and a downtown in the midst of a building boom: including a new downtown library, arena, entertainment venues and a blossoming urban neighborhood of lofts, shops and restaurants. Yet it remains a comfortably sized metro area with reasonable commutes.

Please apply here.