South Dakota General Assignment Reporter (Newsperson)

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks an enterprising reporter with a proven track record of developing sources and breaking stories for a general assignment position in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This temporary staff position ends December 31, 2025 and is covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild.

Responsibilities: Reporting to the chief correspondent for the Midwest, you will seek to consistently break news and produce distinct, deeply reported enterprise about a variety of issues in South Dakota. You should be a self-starter who knows how to build a story from the local level and frame it for broader audiences in the U.S. and around the world, collaborating with colleagues to tell stories in all formats – text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics. You’ll be expected to quickly find sources, information, photos and video through social media and other digital platforms.

We’re looking for someone who will: have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate stories people will want to share on social media. quickly develop sources who will alert us to key news developments and explain what’s happening behind closed doors. look for trends, offbeat topics and other subjects that will produce stories that meet the needs of digital audiences. have a keen eye for seeing broader political trends, and for seeing through spin, doublespeak and propaganda.
pursue innovative and inclusive news coverage, experimenting with new digital storytelling forms and approaching every story with ambition.
maintain AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.
be responsive to general breaking news in the region as coverage demands – including at night and on weekends – as AP is a 24/7 operation.

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as at least two years of full-time news experience at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, online or digital news outlet or an AP bureau or regional desk.
All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.
Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants should be gifted writers who can explain complex stories in clear and compelling ways, working swiftly and accurately on tight deadlines. You should be comfortable working in multiple media formats, from the field and from the desk. You should have strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines. This role will include general assignments around South Dakota and the Midwest; familiarity with the state’s top issues is desired.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role and submit story clips that will help us assess your writing.

Application deadline is January 10, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities, including women and BIPOC, to apply.