Rapid Response Investigative Reporter
Req #26302
Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies UpCurve, Inc. and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.
To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.
Rapid Response Investigative Reporter
The Des Moines Register/desmoinesregister.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a rapid response investigative reporter with a track record of digging out impactful stories that reveal injustices, right wrongs and change public policy.
This reporter should be an expert at prying out hard-to-get information by using state and federal open meetings and open records laws. The reporter also should be fluent with how to acquire and scrub databases, analyze the information and institute checks to ensure findings are sound.
This job will focus on developing quick-turn investigations off breaking news. It requires the ability to gather information quickly in a wide variety of situations, from major crimes to disasters to company mergers, and to hold key players accountable to the public.
The job also requires a great storyteller who can earn the trust of reluctant sources and bring to light powerful stories of those who have suffered from injustices.
This reporter should be comfortable taking photos and producing video as needed and using live chats, social media and other digital tools to present news in novel ways.
This reporter will be guided by a senior editor at the Des Moines Register, a 17-time Pulitzer Prize winner that is recognized nationally for the quality of its political and state government reporting.
Responsibilities:
- Research, report and produce compelling content that informs and engages readers.
- Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
- Use live video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.
- Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries, video — that are tailored to the right platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the audience.
- Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least five years of professional journalism experience.
- High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
- Demonstrated track record for keen news judgment, ethical decision-making and fair play.
- Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
- Strong command of AP grammar and style.
- Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
- Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
- A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsrooms.
- Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
- Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
- Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
- Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
- 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 5-10 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.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
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Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Salary
- Required Education Equivalent Experience