At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft compelling stories using data and manage exciting research projects for top travel brands.
- Company: Join Skift, the leading media company in travel, known for innovation and insight.
- Benefits: Fully remote role with growth opportunities in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Other info: Work during USA East Coast hours and engage with diverse teams across the globe.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the travel industry by shaping narratives with data and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in editorial or agency settings, strong research skills, and confidence in client interactions.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About Us
Skift is the leading business intelligence and media company in travel, delivering news, research, and global events that power smarter decisions across the industry. We convene senior leaders and innovators who rely on Skift for clarity, insight, and meaningful connection in a fast-moving global market.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a strategic, data-savvy Branded Content Research Editor to join Skift Studio, our in-house branded content division. This role is ideal for a versatile storyteller who straddles pre-sale ideation and post-sale production—combining quantitative research design, editorial writing, client strategy, and live event moderation. You will help top travel brands tell compelling stories with data, harnessing AI tools (like Claude and ChatGPT) responsibly to accelerate workflows while maintaining a strict human-first perspective. This is a fully remote position open to candidates based anywhere in the UK. This person must also be willing to work during USA East Coast work hours.
Why This Role Matters
Skift Studio delivers best-in-class multi-platform programs—combining intelligence, research, event experiences, and advertising—for Skift’s commercial partners. As Branded Content Research Editor, you own the research engine and narrative voice behind these commercial campaigns. By translating complex quantitative data and sponsor briefs into authoritative reports, high-impact articles, and dynamic stage discussions, you directly shape how major brands speak to the global travel industry. Your work ensures that sponsor-funded content carries the same sharp, indispensable rigor as our mainline journalistic coverage.
Some of What You’ll Do
- Quantitative Research Design & Execution (Core): Design and manage sponsor-funded quantitative research projects end-to-end—including writing survey questionnaires, coordinating executive panel recruitment, cleaning/analyzing datasets, and translating findings into sponsor-facing insights. Collaborate closely with the sales team on pre-sale ideation to pitch research-led proposals that differentiate Skift Studio’s commercial offerings.
- Content Production & AI Workflows (Core): Write and/or manage freelance talent developing sponsored content programs across formats, including short-form articles, long-form reports, insight decks, spoken presentations, and video scripts. Leverage AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT) to accelerate early-stage ideation, outline drafting, interview prep, and desk research while strictly upholding Skift Studio's editorial standards, originality, and fact-checking.
- Client Strategy & Event Moderation: Handle day-to-day interactions with sponsors to review deliverables, incorporate feedback, keep tight timelines on track, and ensure maximum content visibility across platforms. Research, script, and moderate partner events in both live and virtual formats—including sponsored Skift Summit/Forum talks, custom panel discussions, and webinars. Collaborate with the internal studio team to continuously refine and evolve our product suite and research-based formats.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven Editorial & Agency Chops: Demonstrated experience in a high-output, fast-moving marketing, ad agency, or editorial environment (B2B digital publishing preferred), coupled with prior knowledge of content marketing around enterprise software, digital marketing, and digital advertising.
- Quantitative Research Mastery: Hands-on experience designing and running survey studies (SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or similar), basic statistical analysis, and turning raw data into clear, story-forward insights for non-technical executive audiences.
- Practical AI & Tech Fluency: Familiarity using AI content accelerators for early-stage drafting and research, alongside standard operational tools (WordPress, HubSpot, Google Drive).
- Stage & Client Confidence: Experience managing client relationships/feedback, building high-level sales materials/proposals, and acting as a confident public speaker who employs journalistic rigor during live event moderation.
- Deep Domain Curiosity: A strong interest in business and consumer trends across online travel, tech, customer experience, digital transformation, and media.
- Impeccable Communication: Complete English fluency (written and verbal), with the demonstrated ability to ideate, write, edit, and proof multi-format copy in a nuanced, highly professional tone completely free of grammar or spelling errors.
Success Metrics
- Research & Narrative Quality: End-to-end delivery of rigorous, well-recruited quantitative research studies that smoothly translate into compelling, data-driven editorial assets.
- Velocity & Client Satisfaction: On-time delivery of multi-format sponsored content programs (reports, articles, scripts) that effectively incorporate sponsor feedback and maintain high renewal/retention rates.
- Workflow Efficiency: Responsible, highly effective integration of AI tools to accelerate early-stage ideation and desk research without sacrificing Skift’s human-first tone, accuracy, or originality.
- Event & Pitch Impact: Engaging, highly polished stage/webinar moderation at Skift events, paired with successful pre-sale collaboration that helps close high-value commercial proposals.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to grow within a respected and innovative media company.
- Exposure to the intersection of media, events, and travel intelligence.
- Collaborative, supportive, and remote-friendly work environment.
How We Work
Skift's culture is diverse, cohesive, and full of people who love what they do and bring the best of themselves to work. We are remote but very connected and caring about each other.
How To Apply
If this role sounds like a fit, we’d love to hear from you. PLEASE SEND US A COVER LETTER ALONG WITH YOUR RESUME sharing why you’re interested and how your experience aligns with Skift's mission. Skift is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of travelers around the world. We welcome applicants from all life experiences and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
Here’s what you can expect next
If selected to interview, a Skift team member will reach out to schedule next steps.
Branded Content Research Editor - Skift Studio employer: Skift
Skift is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of the travel industry within a collaborative and innovative remote environment. Employees benefit from exposure to high-level strategic engagements, mentorship opportunities, and a culture that values diversity and connection, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers while making a meaningful impact in the global travel sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Branded Content Research Editor - Skift Studio
✨Showcase Your Best Work
Get a professional portfolio together that highlights your best articles, podcasts, or videos. Use platforms like Medium or your own website to showcase your work. Remember, potential clients want to see your writing style and versatility!
✨Dive into Freelance Platforms
Check out freelance job boards like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr to find gigs suited for journalists and media professionals. Tailor your profile to highlight your niche expertise, whether it’s investigative reporting or digital content creation!
✨Network with Peers and Editors
Get involved in online journalism communities and forums. Join Facebook groups or Twitter chats where journalists hang out—this is where you can learn about confidential job leads and get personal referrals from fellow freelancers!
✨Pitch, Pitch, Pitch!
Don't wait for job offers to come to you. Actively pitch your ideas to publications. Research the editors of magazines or websites that inspire you—it’s all about getting your foot in the door. Who knows, your next big gig might come from a killer idea you send their way!
We think you need these skills to ace Branded Content Research Editor - Skift Studio
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work:As a freelance journalist, your portfolio is everything! Curate a selection of your best articles, blog posts, or multimedia projects that showcase your writing flair and versatility. Make sure to include a variety of topics and styles, and consider linking them directly in your application for easy access!
Tailor Your Pitch:When applying for a freelance role like this one with Skift, don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your pitch to resonate with Skift’s values and areas of focus. Mention specific articles or projects from them that inspire you and explain how your skills align with their mission — this shows you’ve done your homework!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Got experience in journalism or media? Make sure you highlight it! Whether it's internships, previous freelance gigs, or even writing for your uni paper, detail what you did and how it’s relevant to the role at Skift. Specific achievements, like awards or recognitions, can also give you that extra edge!
Flexibility & Availability:Since you're freelancing, mentioning your availability is key! Being flexible can make you more attractive to Skift. In your application, clearly outline your current workload and when you can take on new projects, so they can see you're ready to jump in when needed!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skift
✨Showcase Your Unique Voice
As freelancers in journalism and media, it's crucial to highlight your unique storytelling style. Share examples of your work that demonstrate your voice and perspective – whether that’s through articles, videos, or podcasts. This helps Skift see what you can bring to the table!
✨Pitch Stories Like a Pro
Freelancing often means you're selling your ideas just as much as your skills. Prepare a few story pitches that align with Skift’s focus and ethos, showing them you understand their audience and what they value. This will make you stand out as a proactive candidate who’s already thinking about content for them.
✨Be Ready for Technical Know-How
Expect technical questions related to the media tools and software you're familiar with — whether it’s editing software like Adobe Premiere or content management systems. Brush up on these tools, as being able to confidently discuss your tech skills could clinch your position!
✨Focus on Flexibility and Networking
As a freelancer, flexibility can be your ace in the hole. During your interview, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and juggle multiple projects. Plus, if you have a network of contacts or collaborators, mention that too – it shows you're connected and can produce engaging content reliably.
