Content Research Lead - 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 an analytical, strategy-minded Content Research Lead to join Skift Studio, our in-house branded content division. This role suits a versatile communicator comfortable moving between early-stage pitch work and hands-on production — blending research design, editorial craft, client management, and live-event hosting. You'll help leading travel brands turn data into compelling narratives, using AI tools (like Claude and ChatGPT) thoughtfully to speed up workflows while keeping a firm human-first standard. This is a fully remote role open to candidates based anywhere in the UK, with a requirement to work USA East Coast hours. Why This Role Matters Skift Studio builds best-in-class multi-platform programs — blending intelligence, research, event experiences, and advertising — for Skift 's commercial partners. As Content Research Lead, you drive the research engine and narrative voice behind these commercial campaigns. Turning dense quantitative data and sponsor briefs into authoritative reports, high-impact articles, and dynamic stage conversations, you directly shape how major brands communicate with the global travel industry. Your work keeps sponsor-funded content held to the same rigorous standard as our core journalism. Some of What You'll Do Research Design & Execution (Core) - Design and manage sponsor-funded quantitative research projects start to finish — writing survey instruments, coordinating executive panel recruitment, cleaning and analyzing data, and turning findings into sponsor-facing insights. - Partner closely with sales on pre-sale ideation to pitch research-driven proposals that set Skift Studio's commercial offerings apart. Production & AI-Assisted Workflows (Core) - Write and/or oversee freelance talent producing sponsored content across formats — short articles, long-form reports, insight decks, presentations, and video scripts. - Use AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT) to speed up early ideation, outlining, interview prep, and desk research, while holding firm to Skift Studio's editorial standards, originality, and fact-checking. Client Management & Event Hosting - Manage sponsor relationships day-to-day — reviewing deliverables, incorporating feedback, keeping timelines on track, and maximizing content visibility across platforms. - Research, script, and host partner events live and virtually — sponsored Skift Summit/Forum talks, custom panels, and webinars. - Work with the internal studio team to keep refining our product suite and research-driven formats. What You'll Bring - Editorial & Agency Background: Solid experience in a high-output marketing, agency, or editorial setting (B2B digital publishing preferred), with prior exposure to content marketing around enterprise software and digital advertising. - Research Chops: Hands-on experience running survey studies (SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or similar), basic statistical analysis, and shaping raw data into clear, narrative-driven insights for executive audiences. - AI & Tech Fluency: Comfort using AI accelerators for early drafting and research, plus familiarity with standard tools (WordPress, HubSpot, Google Drive). - Stage & Client Presence: Experience managing client relationships and feedback, building sales materials and proposals, and speaking confidently in front of live audiences with journalistic rigor. - Curiosity About the Industry: Genuine interest in business and consumer trends across online travel, tech, customer experience, digital transformation, and media. - Strong Communication: Full English fluency, written and verbal, with proven ability to ideate, write, edit, and proof mul