Seasonal Columnist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball and Football Reporter

The Des Moines Register, Iowa’s leading news organization, is hiring for an Iowa City-based University of Iowa women’s basketball/football/GA reporter. This is a unique opportunity to cover top programs in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference at a time when Hawkeye sports are on the rise. 

We are seeking an ambitious, fast, digitally minded reporter who is hungry to be first with the news and produces a substantial output of content. This reporter can go beyond game coverage to offer analysis and compelling journalism that will surprise readers and keep them coming back. 

While women’s basketball will be this reporter’s primary beat, particularly during the winter sports season, this reporter will work closely with and supplement the work of the Hawkeyes columnist and Hawkeyes football reporter.  

The reporter also will provide coverage of professional women’s basketball, particularly Hawkeye alums in the WNBA. Additionally, the reporter will help facilitate video, podcast and social-media logistics and will produce trending and general assignment content, particularly during spring and summer.  

The successful candidate will be self-motivated and adept at growing audience through great content, smart use of social media and multimedia and promoting their brand and work on TV, podcasts and live radio. 

This is a stellar opportunity for someone with three to five years of sports reporting experience. The successful candidate, who will be based in trendy but affordable Iowa City, must be able to meet tight deadlines and travel as needed. 

Responsibilities:

• Research, report and produce compelling content that informs and engages readers. 
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues and situations. 
• Use video, photos and social media to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events. 
• Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries, podcasts, 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 degree or equivalent experience.  
• Three to five years of professional journalism experience. 
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline and use multimedia to supplement their reach. 
• Demonstrated track record for keen news judgment, ethical decision-making and fair play. 
• 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: 

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 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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