Investigative Reporter

Are you a reporter who cares deeply about holding the powerful accountable? Do you believe there are important stories to tell for and about Midwesterners? If yes, you should consider applying to be The Midwest Newsroom’s next Investigative Reporter.

The Midwest Newsroom is a partnership between NPR and member stations to provide investigative journalism and enterprise reporting with a focus on Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

We’re looking for an investigative reporter who 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 partners in this collaboration are Iowa Public Radio, KCUR 89.3 in Kansas City, St. Louis Public Radio in Missouri, Nebraska Public Media and NPR. We also work closely with Harvest Public Media and Kansas News Service. Our team already includes an investigative reporter, a data journalist, an investigative editor and a managing editor.

As an investigative reporter, this person will develop, pitch and report on their own stories as well as collaborate with journalists around the region, with particular attention to Iowa and Nebraska. This person will also provide training and coaching to partners as needed and appropriate to their skill level.

This investigative reporter will be based at Nebraska Public Media, in our Lincoln office, and will be a University of Nebraska-Lincoln employee with a competitive benefits package. Some travel within the region is required. This is a three-year, grant-funded position. The Midwest Newsroom partners intend to raise funds to sustain the position beyond that period.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, broadcasting, communications or relevant field and three years of reporting experience with at least one year of investigative reporting experience; equivalent education/experience considered. Excellent writing skills on a variety of platforms.

Experience producing content for digital and social platforms.

Experience with identifying, obtaining and analyzing public records.

Familiar with using data analysis and data visualization tools.

Commitment to editorial standards of accuracy, thoroughness, ethics, balance and diversity. Knowledge of news reporting, writing and editing; knowledge of current events and computer literacy. Strong interpersonal, reporting and researching skills.

Ability to produce short-term and long-term projects. Ability to exercise sound news judgment. Ability to solve problems and be resilient.

Preferred Qualifications:

Five years of reporting experience, including investigative reporting experience.
Experience with audio reporting and production.
Photography and/or videography experience.
Public radio experience.
Experience co-reporting.
Experience working in multi-partner collaborations.