Des Moines Bureau Chief

Des Moines Bureau Chief - Iowa Statehouse


Lee Enterprises is seeking an ambitious, collaborative and driven journalist to lead our Des Moines bureau, directing statewide coverage of government, politics and public policy in Iowa.


This is a high-impact leadership role at the center of power in Iowa, responsible for setting the agenda on how our newsrooms cover the statehouse, governor's office and statewide elections - and how those decisions affect communities across the state.


What you'll do


As bureau chief, you will be covering Iowa's political ecosystem including the Legislature and governor to state agencies, campaigns and the influence networks that shape policy.


The Lee Enterprises Des Moines Bureau Chief works with the two bureau reporters from the Cedar Rapids Gazette in a shared bureau, coordinating coverage and sharing articles.


Duties:

• Focus on statewide coverage of government and politics, setting priorities that resonate across Lee's Iowa newsrooms.
• Drive enterprise and investigative work that explains how decisions at the Capitol affect Iowans in every corner of the state.
• Break news and pursue exclusives.
• Cover elections and campaigns, including following the money, messaging and impact.
• Translate complex policy into clear, compelling journalism for a broad audience.
• Collaborate across markets, ensuring strong communication and shared coverage among Lee's Iowa publications.
• Use data, public records and sourcing to uncover stories that hold officials accountable.

When the Legislature is in session, you'll be at the center of fast-moving coverage - coordinating daily reporting from committee hearings, floor debates and the governor's office while maintaining a broader strategic view.


What success looks like

• A steady stream of agenda-setting journalism that drives conversation statewide.
• Strong reporting, watchdog coverage and smart analysis.
• Strong collaboration across Lee Enterprises' newsrooms, with bureau reporting reaching audiences throughout Iowa.
• Coverage that reflects both urban and rural perspectives, connecting policy to real-life impact.

Who you are

• A proven journalist with experience covering government, politics or accountability beats.
• Skilled at developing sources and navigating complex political environments.
• Comfortable working independently and has the ability to self edit
• Experienced in maintaining accuracy and fairness while working at a fast pace.
• Adept at analyzing documents, data and public records.
• Committed to ethical, nonpartisan journalism that serves the public.
• Familiar with or willing to learn digital-first publishing, including SEO, audience metrics and social media.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong writing and editing skills with command of AP Style.
• Experience with digital tools, data analysis and audience engagement.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.

Where you'll be based


This position reports to the Quad-City Times and is based in Des Moines, Iowa, with daily work at the statehouse during the legislative session. Some travel across the state will be expected to report on how policy decisions affect local communities.


Bureau coverage is shared across Lee Enterprises' Iowa publications, reaching audiences statewide including:

• Globe Gazette - Mason City
• The Muscatine Journal - Muscatine
• The Daily Nonpareil - Council Bluffs
• The Quad-City Times - Davenport
• Sioux City Journal - Sioux City
• The Courier- Waterloo

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