Des Moines Register seeks business columnist

The Des Moines Register is seeking a business columnist who has a pulse on everything that’s happening in Iowa’s vibrant business community, which includes a large insurance sector and enterprising start-up scene.

The successful candidate will break news and write insightful commentary, including quick-turn columns off of significant national and local events affecting Iowa’s economy. We want someone who can use storytelling skills to explain complex economic and business issues to readers and take on the biggest issues facing Iowa’s economy, including state economic development and workforce policies.

The columnist will write with a digital audience in mind and also aim for Page 1A and the Sunday and daily Business section. The columnist also will be responsible for the popular weekly Biz Buzz column, capturing timely, behind-the-scenes anecdotes about major newsmakers in the business community.

We want someone who:

• Writes with a strong voice and speaks truth to the state’s powerful business lobby.
• Develops a following on social media and engages with readers and newsmakers.
• Tells stories on video, using it to interview newsmakers and promote the column.
• Serves as the face of the Register’s business coverage at events.
• Develops sources among CEOs, business owners and other leaders and uses these connections to get behind-the-scenes perspectives and reaction to news.

Requirements include strong digital experience, social media savvy, understanding of metrics and how to reach specific audiences, and ability to connect and engage with readers.  We need a columnist who thinks like an investigative reporter, has a natural curiosity, strives to beat the competition and approaches the job in an innovative way.

Applicants also must have a bachelor’s degree and extensive experience writing business news or columns, developing a personal brand and using advanced storytelling techniques. Please include five to seven samples of your published work.

To apply, go here.