Growth & Development Reporter

Growth & Development Reporter

Des Moines is the fastest-growing major metro in the Midwest. For the Des Moines Register, coverage of the ever-changing landscape of Iowa's capital is a fundamental part of our service to readers. Our growth and development reporter provides the news, analyses and insights they need to understand what's coming and how it will affect their city, their neighborhoods and their lives.

The Des Moines Register, the Iowa flagship of the USA Today Network, seeks a reporter who will consistently break news about new commercial, residential and other developments and sift out trends before others see them.

Source development is critical to the beat, including city administrators and planners, developers, planning and zoning officials, land use experts and neighborhood association leaders.

This reporter will file quick stories on new developments, but also will develop explanatory, narrative and watchdog stories that shed light on what's getting built, what's not and how it will make a difference to residents. The ideal candidate will be an experienced reporter who can connect with people in the community as well as local leaders and will provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues, including data analysis of building permits, tax abatements and other public incentives that finance development. Curiosity, inquisitiveness and a desire to challenge perceptions are key attributes.

The growth and development reporter will use social media, video and other tools to replace or supplement traditional story forms. The reporter also will use metrics to understand what's resonating with readers and will be willing to experiment and innovate to reach new audiences. Duties include writing compelling headlines and employing SEO best practices to draw in readers.

This reporter also will provide occasional coverage of other business news and general assignments.

We expect anyone who works with us to constantly improve their skills. We offer a robust internal and Gannett-wide training program. This reporter will work with experienced editors and occasionally be partnered with other veteran journalists on projects.

The Des Moines Register is a 17-time Pulitzer Prize winner and is recognized nationally for the quality of its political and state government reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Use metrics and analytics to determine how to best reach and grow the audience.
• Increase digital audience and engagement and grow digital subscriptions.
• Be courageous about experimentation.
• Be a team player who likes to collaborate with coworkers.
• Apply innovative, creative thinking to support the company's goals.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in professional journalism writing and reporting.
• Understanding of metrics, social media and SEO.
• Solid news judgment.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Top-notch planning, organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Application Instructions

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:

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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