Soccer Researcher

This is a Freelance Job

Soccer Researcher- CBS Sports Golazo Network (Freelance)

CBS Sports Golazo Network is looking for an enthusiastic, detail-oriented soccer fan to work with our team of Researchers to create and deliver in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment materials that convey in-depth, creative and accurate information to inform and influence coverage in studio and game broadcasts, and throughout CBS Sports departments. The ideal candidate will use deep soccer knowledge, an insatiable curiosity and sound news judgment, to provide statistical, analytical, biographical, write news scripts and provide other information to support storytelling that is timely, relevant, and innovative. The Researcher will partner with teammates to develop ideas for graphical and other visual presentations for all soccer properties in and outside the CBS Sports portfolio, including but not limited to Champions League, NWSL and more!

This is a freelance position based in Stamford, CT. Non-traditional hours, nights, weekends, and holidays are to be expected. Candidates must be available to work full-time hours in office.

Responsibilities:
• Use deep sports knowledge along with strong research techniques to generate and support ideas based on sports betting, live sporting events, breaking news, and other developments in the soccer world.
• Create and deliver informational packets that include statistical nuggets, analytical context and gambling trends; storylines ranging from matchups to profiles to features to columns; and ideas for on-screen elements.
• Build relationships with producers, on-air talent, and graphics and video associates, to ensure the highest quality and depth of information.
• Conduct a variety of searches using statistical tools and databases, team websites, social media, other media outlets, and other sources to support storytelling and coverage for all game and studio productions.
• Build graphics by presenting complex information in an easy-to-digest manner. Must have a keen eye to detail, an emphasis on accuracy and a focus on highlighting the priority storylines.
• Deliver scripts for talent in timely manner for newscasts.
• Anticipate, identify and respond to relevant trends, developing storylines and noteworthy performances prior to and during live game action.
• Communicate in a timely and effective manner with content creators to provide thorough, creative and accurate statistical and storytelling information that will support and enhance productions.
• Deliver real-time reactions to notable performances, significant plays, and developing on-field storylines, betting line changes during live games.
• Deliver materials to preview upcoming events and shows to anticipate trends, identify storylines to follow, and add context to developing angles.
• Proactively identify and suggest solutions to address potential coverage angles and storylines for all studio shows and talent.
• Develop original, creative ideas for graphics and video elements that provide statistical or other analysis of games, storylines and trending issues in sports.
• Collaborate with graphic and video teams for story planning, idea generation and coverage.
• Apply advanced metrics and related statistics to develop creative angles for coverage.
• Work closely with on-air talent in-studio to provide essential information regarding games and athletes across sports and shows.

Basic Qualifications
• Excellent knowledge of soccer is highly desired.
• Minimum 1 year of research experience (strong internships considered).
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Excellent working knowledge of and interest in multiple leagues across the soccer space.
• A resourceful ability to conduct research and a passion for discovering and sharing new knowledge is a must.
• Must have experience with a variety of approaches to Internet searches and be fluent in electronic news gathering techniques, including quickly navigating the Internet and best practices for using social media.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends and flexible hours.

Qualifications:
• Must be able to work independently while also thriving in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and multi-tasking skills, as well as a keen attention to detail, are required.
• Must demonstrate ability and desire to work in a fast-paced environment under deadline, to prioritize assignments and ensure accuracy.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, proven ability to multitask, and demonstrate a keen attention to detail.
• Related educational or work experience in journalism, communications or production fields is preferred.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments.
• Experience in sports studio/broadcast environments, or other sports media fields, a plus.
• Must demonstrate ability to communicate ideas effectively and efficiently.
• Must be a self-starter with demonstrated initiative.

CBS Sports, a year-round leader in cross-platform sports coverage, broadcasts a portfolio of events on the CBS Television Network, including THE NFL ON CBS; college football, including the SEC ON CBS; college basketball, including the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship; golf, including The Masters®, PGA Championship and PGA TOUR; soccer, including the UEFA Champions League and NWSL; and CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR.

In addition, the division includes CBS SPORTS NETWORK, the 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports which televises live sports programming throughout the year, including college football and basketball games, UEFA Champions League and Europa League action, Italy's Serie A matches, Concacaf national team competitions, as well as a full slate of original programming and studio coverage.

CBS Sports also delivers an extensive lineup of global soccer coverage on Paramount , including every UEFA club competition match, all Serie A matches as well as Concacaf national team competitions, and produces INSIDE THE NFL for Paramount . CBS Sports Digital's multi-platform offerings include CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports apps for mobile and connected TV devices; the 24/7 streaming sports news network CBS Sports HQ; 247Sports; MaxPreps; CBS Sports fantasy games; and SportsLine.