Breaking News Reporter

The Des Moines Register is seeking a breaking news reporter to cover crime, fires, traffic accidents, weather disasters and other spot news in central Iowa and to travel across Iowa for big news. This reporter also will have the opportunity to handle some courts coverage.

A breaking news reporter must be adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.

This reporter will be expected to develop enterprise and investigative work, whether landing exclusive interviews with victims or developing sophisticated analysis of crime trends. Database skills are a plus. Crime coverage will be focused less on specific incidents and more on how crime is affecting communities and how they can combat it. As needed, this reporter will also handle breaking news across other beats, such as government and business, and handle general assignments.

Clear, fast writing is essential, along with the ability to turn breaking news coverage into readable storytelling. Source development will be critical, among first responders, police, judges, court staff and community residents. Duties include writing compelling headlines and employing SEO best practices to draw in readers.

While days and hours can vary, this reporter will generally work evenings and one weekend shift.

Des Moines is a growing state capital city that is home to a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and a large community of young professionals living downtown.

The Des Moines Register is a 17-time Pulitzer Prize winner. We reach readers across the state with our daily Des Moines Register editions, our award-winning DesMoinesRegister.com website and various nondaily publications.