Branded Content Research Editor - Skift Studio

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.