Resume

Experience

The Missouri Independent | Editor-in-chief, September 2020 to present

Help launch the largest news organization in Missouri focused on politics and policy, including hiring a team of four reporters across the state.
Supervise daily news coverage and investigative reporting projects, as well as manage full production of MissouriIndependent.com, placing, publishing and promoting all stories and commentaries.
Work with freelance writers around the Midwest on reporting projects and opinion submissions.
Represent the organization in media appearances, both in radio and TV.
Work to establish collaborative partnership with other news organizations, including national organizations like Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting and NPR’s Midwest Newsroom.
In addition to editing and supervisory responsibilities, I contribute regular enterprise reporting, with an emphasis on corruption, transparency and government ethics.

The Kansas City Star | Lead Political Reporter, January 2012 to September 2020

Promoted from statehouse reporter to Lead Political Reporter in 2018.
Coverage of state and federal politics in both Missouri and Kansas for the largest newspaper in both states.
A focus on shoe-leather statehouse reporting to build the deepest bench of sources in Missouri politics, allowing me to consistently pull back the curtain on the inner workings of state government.
Use of public records to produce stories that exemplify watchdog journalism and hold power to account.
Provide analysis to help put news into context for readers to better understand what’s going on in their government and why it matters to them.
Use of social media platforms to build sources, promote stories and interact with readers, as well as regular appearances on radio and television.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch | Statehouse Reporter, April 2011 to January 2012

Covered the Missouri legislature, state agencies, the governor and the courts, including outstate breaking news and features.
Contributed daily features, policy analysis and enterprise stories.

The Iowa Independent| Editor, May 2008 – April 2011

Led and participated in coverage of state government and politics, including the 2008 presidential campaign, with an emphasis on LGBTQ-rights, the environment and campaign finance.
Guided reporters through enterprise projects and managed a team of full-time reporters and freelancers scattered across Iowa.
Trained in search engine optimization techniques, which assisted in increasing website traffic more than 150 percent within first year as editor.

Des Moines Cityview | Investigative Reporter, October 2007 – May 2008

Followed the 2008 Iowa Presidential Caucuses, the Iowa General Assembly and local government.
Contributed news, feature and enterprise stories.

Des Moines Business Record | Staff Writer, April 2006 – October 2007

The New Albany (Ind.) Tribune | Reporter, June 2002 – October 2004

Awards

First Place best political coverage, National Headliner Awards, 2019

First Place best political coverage, National Headliner Awards, 2018

First Place local news beat coverage or continuing story, National Headliner Awards, 2016

Third Place Public Interest/Investigative or In-Depth Reporting, Missouri APME, 2016

Second Place Multi-Media Reporting, Missouri Press Association, 2016

Third Place Public Investigative Reporting, Missouri Press Association, 2016

Third Place Coverage of Government, Missouri Press Association, 2016

First Place Coverage of Government, Missouri Press Association, 2015

First Place Coverage of Government, Missouri Press Association, 2014

First Place Beat Reporting, Association of State Capitol Reporters and Editors, 2009

Third Place Commentary and News Analysis, Association of State Capitol Reporters and Editors, 2009

Third Place In-depth Reporting, Association of State Capitol Reporters and Editors, 2009

Education

Indiana University Southeast

Journalism, with minor in political science

Jason Hancock