Political Reporter & Editor

If you love to follow politics and tell the stories of election campaigns, parties, and voters, we might be looking for you.  Iowa Public Radio is hiring a political reporter-editor in our Des Moines newsroom. 

You’ll report on state politics for our broadcast and digital platforms and lead our coverage of the Iowa caucuses.  In 2028, Iowa will once again kick off the Republican presidential nominating process.

You’ll also work with IPR news managers to coordinate our election coverage strategy, guide other IPR reporters in their work on political stories, and help plan our election night coverage.

This position is based in Des Moines, Iowa’s largest city and part of the fastest-growing metro area in the Midwest. There are lots of places to catch a concert, enjoy a great meal, watch a game, or bike for miles on one of the area’s many trails.

Our ideal candidate is curious, motivated, and has a deep interest in the issues that affect people throughout Iowa.  We’re looking for someone with strong editorial judgment and the ability to write quickly and clearly, while telling a good story.

If you’re passionate about impactful journalism, care about ethics and diversity, can handle several things at once and are committed to making great radio, we’d love to hear from you.

We know there are great candidates who might not exactly fit into what we’ve described here or who have important skills we haven’t listed. If that sounds like you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Iowa Public Radio is a well-respected and thriving non-profit organization. We offer an excellent benefits package, including health benefits, a retirement plan with a 2-to-1 employer match, immediate accrual of vacation (16 hours monthly) and sick (12 hours monthly) time and a flexible work environment.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $56,000 - $71,000

SUMMARY: 

The Political Reporter & Editor serves as Iowa Public Radio’s lead political reporter, covering races for major statewide and federal offices, including the presidential caucus cycle.  This person will help coordinate IPR’s wider coverage of political campaigns and races, and assist in editing IPR reporters’ political reporting.  This position will also be responsible for coordination and production of special political projects ranging from stories to podcasts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years of experience working in a professional journalism environment
• An understanding of local, state and federal political systems
• Experience working in multimedia platforms, including photographs, video and web platforms
• Experience operating a variety of broadcast equipment including audio boards, digital editing systems (e.g. Adobe Audition), field recording units, and other production equipment
• A valid state-issued driver’s license and reliable transportation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three years of experience in political reporting
• An eye for diverse voices and sources in stories
• Strong writing skills and experience editing the work of other reporters
• Experience as a public radio reporter and/or host
• Firm foundation in journalism ethics, news gathering, and reporting techniques

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Apply through the position link on the IPR website.

For full consideration, applications must include the following:

• A detailed resume.
• A narrative carefully detailing how your experience compares to the job duties and qualifications listed for this position. The narrative should not exceed two pages.
• Sample(s) of your work:
  • Writing samples that include spot news and a news-oriented feature.
  • Online content you have produced (please send links). Online content can be a web build-out of a radio story or news content that was designed to be web-only. Please do not send stories you have produced with the help of a national network.
  • Demo containing one newscast-length story (spot), and one feature-length report (3:00-5:00) that you have edited and produced. If you have one, we’d love to hear a sample of a two-way you did with a program host, or an interview you’ve conducted for a podcast or other audio production. Please upload the demo to Soundcloud or another hosting site and send IPR links.
• Names and contact information, including email addresses, for three work references, including at least one supervisory reference

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

IPR will accept applications through 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026.

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.