The Midwest Newsroom is seeking a journalist with a passion for investigative reporting for a full-time, one-year fellowship in public media.

The investigative reporting Fellow will join a seven-person team that works closely with public radio stations in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. We want someone with a keen interest in telling stories from this part of the country. Our coverage focus areas are climate, criminal justice, education, immigration, housing, and public health.

The Midwest Newsroom is a collaboration between KCUR in Kansas City, St. Louis Public Radio, Nebraska Public Media, Iowa Public Radio and NPR, with a focus on investigative journalism and enterprise reporting. The fellowship is based at Iowa Public Radio in Des Moines, but the Fellow can work from any partner newsroom in the collaboration with a combination of remote and onsite hours.

The goal of the fellowship program is to broaden the range of backgrounds, experiences and interests within the field of investigative journalism, where a variety of perspectives is critically important.

We’re looking for a journalist with at least one year of newsroom experience who already knows how to identify stories that will amplify voices that often go unheard, dig for answers and craft compelling narratives for audio and digital audiences.

The Midwest Newsroom Fellowship will provide an aspiring investigative reporter time and space to pursue their own project or projects as well as collaborate with our team and our regional partners. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to attend a national conference with an investigative or specialized topic focus.

You will receive 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.

The Fellow will have the opportunity to learn or enhance their skills in:

• Audio reporting
• Data journalism
• Investigative reporting
• Public records
• Writing for multiple platforms

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Up to 1 year of experience (including internships) working in a professional newsroom environment.
• Demonstrated ability to generate story ideas.
• Ability to identify stories that will amplify voices that often go unheard, dig for answers and craft compelling narratives for audio and digital audiences.
• Keen interest in telling stories throughout Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas.
• A valid state-issued driver’s license and reliable transportation.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Apply through the position link on the IPR website.

For full consideration, applications must include:

• Cover letter , which should include * Your definition of investigative journalism * Why you want this Fellowship * How this Fellowship fits in with your professional goals * A brief description of the most impactful story you’ve ever done, with a link or attached file
• Resume
• Story Pitch
  • Tell us about a story you might do as a Fellow with The Midwest Newsroom
  • Be sure to include:
    • What the story is, in no more than two sentences
    • What is the key question you are seeking to answer and/or what is the key finding you want to impart?
    • Who is the audience for this story?
    • What impact do you think this story could have?
    • What data and public records would you seek out?
    • Have you done any initial research or reporting on this story?

NOTE: Pitching does not lock you into doing that story, nor does it imply The Midwest Newsroom will greenlight the story. We simply want to learn how you think about the process. We will not take your story and do our own based on your work.

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

IPR will accept applications through 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2025.

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.

Questions? You can email Managing Editor Holly Edgell: hollyedgell@kcur.org