Story Desk Lead — Multi-Platform Newsroom

Tegna; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Dental and eye care coverage

401(k) with company match

Teladoc access

Spring Health therapy

Job summary

TEGNA Inc. is seeking a Story Desk Manager for WOI/KCWI in the Des Moines–Ames market. You will lead the unified Story Management Desk, guiding journalists across broadcast, web, streaming, and mobile platforms.

You will oversee daily editorial decisions, develop coverage plans, analyze audience data, and coach reporters. The role requires strong leadership, newsroom collaboration, and a digital- and streaming-first mindset.

Qualifications

• Strong news judgment and ability to make fast editorial decisions under pressure.
• Experience coordinating breaking news and major developing stories.
• Proven track record leading a newsroom team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily coverage decisions and reporter assignments for Des Moines–Ames market.
• Lead the Story Management Desk and coordinate editors, reporters, MSJs, and photogs.
• Determine best format and platform for each story across broadcast, web, mobile and streaming.
• Analyze audience data to guide editorial decisions and grow audiences.
• Collaborate across departments to expand digital and streaming coverage while maintaining editorial independence.

Skills

News judgment

Team leadership

Editorial decision making

Story planning

Multi-platform storytelling

Audience data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

3-5 years journalism experience in a local newsroom or digital production

Tools

Google Analytics

Job description

TEGNA Inc. is seeking a Story Desk Manager for WOI/KCWI in the Des Moines–Ames market. You will lead the unified Story Management Desk, guiding journalists across broadcast, web, streaming, and mobile platforms.

You will oversee daily editorial decisions, develop coverage plans, analyze audience data, and coach reporters. The role requires strong leadership, newsroom collaboration, and a digital- and streaming-first mindset.