Investigative Reporter, Iowa Reporting Project; Remote – Iowa-

• Industry Nonprofit Charitable Organizations
• Salary $85,000 to $95,000
• Remote Job

This is a remote position.

Sentient is the only nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization solely focused on factory farms and their effects on climate, animals, workers, clean water, public health and rural communities.

Founded in 2018, Sentient’s content is fact-checked and science-driven, with reporting that serves readers—especially those in frontline rural communities—interested in the impacts of what they eat on animals, climate, water and their local economy.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced investigative reporter to lead Sentient’s Iowa Reporting Project — an established initiative focused on producing high-impact accountability journalism on factory farming, water pollution and rural communities in Iowa.

For the first 12 months, this reporter will serve as the lead investigative journalist for Sentient’s Iowa coverage, building on an existing body of reporting, source relationships and partnerships. The reporter will produce deeply reported investigative stories, collaborate with local newsrooms and help lead engagement efforts including community events and strategic distribution.

Our coverage aims to illuminate the connection between factory farms and water pollution, amplify the voices of impacted communities and strengthen local and national reporting on these issues.

After the initial 12-month period, the reporter may continue covering Iowa or expand their investigative reporting to other regions and topics aligned with Sentient’s mission.

This is a remote, work-from-home role, travel within Iowa required. Candidates must either:

Live in Iowa, or

Have significant ties, experience or deep reporting connections within Iowa.

Iowa Reporting Project Leadership (Primary focus – first 12 months)

Serve as the lead investigative reporter for Sentient’s Iowa Reporting Project.

Produce original investigative reporting on factory farming, water pollution, public health, regulatory oversight, corporate influence and related issues in Iowa.

Build and maintain relationships with local sources, community leaders, researchers and impacted residents.

Collaborate with local newsrooms, radio stations and community organizations on reporting and distribution.

Work alongside Sentient’s Iowa Project Coordinator, who is based in Iowa, to support engagement efforts including community events, listening sessions and public programming.

Utilize public records, data analysis, GIS mapping and field reporting to uncover original stories.

Continue developing and expanding the project’s investigative pipeline and impact.

Develop and execute investigative stories aligned with Sentient’s broader national mission.

Pitch and produce high-impact investigative journalism.

Record video content based on your reporting for distribution across Sentient’s social media and digital platforms.

File FOIA and public records requests and analyze complex data and regulatory materials.

Build trusted relationships with sources and whistleblowers.

Collaborate with editors and visual teams to produce compelling multimedia journalism.

Contribute to grant reporting and impact tracking as needed.

Proven experience in investigative journalism with a strong portfolio of accountability reporting.

Must live in Iowa OR have significant ties and reporting experience in Iowa. This role requires frequent travel throughout Iowa, and candidates not currently based in the state must be willing to travel regularly for field reporting, source development and events.

Demonstrated ability to develop original investigative stories.

Experience using public records, FOIA requests and data analysis.

Strong source-building and interviewing skills.

Excellent writing, research and storytelling abilities.

Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Experience reporting on agriculture, environmental pollution, rural communities, public health or corporate accountability.

Existing source relationships or reporting experience in Iowa.

Experience collaborating with local…