Internship Arts Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Arts & Culture Reporter, in collaboration with the Director of Digital & Music Content, is responsible for growing and serving IPR’s arts-enthused audience through original multimedia reporting and lifestyle curation efforts. This position could be located in Des Moines or Iowa City.

The Arts & Culture Reporter is responsible for pitching and filing original multimedia features, spot reporting, and curated recommendations for IPR’s digital and radio audiences. As part of their work, the Arts & Culture Reporter will collaborate with IPR’s digital team to produce arts, culture, and lifestyle stories to be told and disseminated across radio and digital platforms, including social media platforms. Additionally, the Arts & Culture Reporter is responsible for producing the weekly arts newsletter, Chatter. Finally, the Arts & Culture Reporter is responsible for serving as a back-up editor to the Director of Digital & Music Content, editing stories and features from news, talk, and the music teams as requested and assigned.

The beat for this reporter is broad: it covers the entire state of Iowa, and it covers the full umbrella of arts and cultural stories, happenings, and commemorations that may be occurring or available at any given moment. In this way, this position is an Arts & Culture general assignment role, though development of more regular content around particular areas within this beat is possible, in consultation with the Director of Digital & Music Content.

Iowa Public Radio is a well-respected 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least three years of experience in a professional journalism environment, including internships.
• Experience with capturing and editing audio and/or video.
• Strong print writing skills.
• This position requires a current state-issued driver’s license and reliable transportation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or other related field.
• Two or more years’ experience in arts and culture reporting or proven experience in developing a news beat.
• Experience as a multimedia content professional, including audio (radio or podcasting), photography and video.
• Firm foundation in journalism ethics, news-gathering, and reporting techniques.
• Experience as a journalism content creator on at least one social media platform.
• Experience assigning or/and editing the work of other reporters and producers.

For full consideration, applications must include the following:

• Cover letter or narrative about what makes you a good candidate for this position
• Resume of work history, experience and education
• Contact information for at least three (3) professional references

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

IPR will accept applications through 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 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.