Midwest Newsroom News Fellow
Iowa Public Radio
Broadcasting-Radio/TV | Full Time | Hybrid | Des Moines
Posted: 1/15/26
Job Description
The Midwest Newsroom is awarding a 12-month reporting fellowship to cover immigration policy and its impact on individuals and communities. If you want to be on the forefront of covering one of the biggest issues of our time, this is your opportunity to do so with the support of a strong team of editors and a data journalist.
We’re looking for a journalist who has been covering immigration through previous reporting. This person will amplify voices that often go unheard, dig for answers and craft compelling narratives for audio and digital audiences. The job will combine investigative and accountability projects and short-term stories based on partner needs.
Based at KCUR 89.3 in Kansas City, we are a partnership between NPR and member stations to provide investigative journalism and enterprise reporting for audiences in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. 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.
The Fellow will be an employee of Iowa Public Radio and can work from there OR one of our partner news organizations, with a combination of remote and onsite hours.
The Midwest Newsroom Fellowship will provide this reporter with time and space to pursue stories of their own and report assigned stories for our partner newsrooms.
The Fellow will have the opportunity to learn or enhance their skills in:
* Audio reporting
* Data journalism
* Public records
* Writing for multiple platforms
* Social media storytelling
Deadline to Apply 2/16/26
Address
Experience
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
* Current students are ineligible to apply.
* At least 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 and ability to travel.
* Bilingual in Spanish or other language proficiency helpful but not required.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
IPR will accept applications through 5:00 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026.
Apply through the position link on the IPR website.
For full consideration, applications must include:
* Cover letter, which should include why you want this Fellowship, how this Fellowship fits in with your professional goals and a brief description of the most impactful immigration story you’ve done, with a link or attached file.
* Resume
* Story Pitch which tells 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.
Benefits
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.
About the Company
Employment at Iowa Public Radio is dependent upon successful completion of a criminal background check including a driving record review.
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
Travel Required
Yes
Resume Required
Yes
Contact Person
Donna Wolk