Associate Researcher - CBS Sports (Freelance)

Becoming a part of Paramount means joining a team of passionate people who not only recognize the power of content but also enjoy a touch of fun and uniqueness. Together, we co-create moments that matter—both for our audiences and our employees—and aim to leave a positive mark on culture.

About the role

CBS Sports is looking for an enthusiastic, detail-oriented sports fan to join our team of Researchers. The Associate Researcher will help create and deliver materials that provide in-depth, creative, and accurate information to inform coverage across studio and game broadcasts, as well as other CBS Sports departments. The ideal candidate will use deep sports knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and sound news judgment to provide statistical, analytical, biographical, and other information that supports timely, relevant, and innovative storytelling. They will also partner with teammates to develop ideas for graphics and other visual presentations across the CBS Sports portfolio, including—but not limited to—the NFL, college football and basketball, golf, and soccer. This is an on-site freelance position based in our New York City office. Candidates must be available to work 40+ hours per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Use deep sports knowledge along with strong research techniques to generate and support ideas based on live sporting events, breaking news, and other developments in the sports world.
• Contribute to the development of informational packets that include data about our games; statistical nuggets and analytical context; storylines ranging from matchups to profiles to features to columns; and ideas for on-screen elements.
• Conduct a variety of searches using statistical tools and databases, school/team websites, social media, other media outlets, and other sources to support storytelling and coverage for all game and studio productions.
• Build relationships with producers, on-air talent, and graphics and video associates to ensure the highest quality and depth of information.
• Maintain files of milestones, historical records, trends and developing themes, as well as releases, story ideas, scheduled events, and other relevant information about the sports, conferences, teams, coaches, and players covered on CBS Sports platforms.
• In partnership with Research teammates, 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.
• Under limited supervision, deliver real-time reactions to notable performances, significant plays, and developing on-field storylines from live games.
• Chart out information that will be turned into graphics by presenting complex information in an easy-to-digest manner. Must have a keen eye for detail, an emphasis on accuracy, and a focus on highlighting priority storylines.
• Prepare general background/research material for other entities as needed.
• Assist Researchers and Senior Researchers with organizational tasks.

Requirements

• 0-3 years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred; current college students will be considered.
• Relevant educational or work experience in journalism, communications, or production fields is preferred.
• Experience working with numbers in any field, including your field of study.
• Experience in sports studio/broadcast environments or other sports media fields is a plus.
• Excellent working knowledge of and interest in multiple sports, especially NFL, college football, college basketball, golf, and soccer.
• A resourceful ability to conduct research with limited supervision and a passion for discovering and sharing new knowledge is a must.
• Must be able to thrive 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 be able to work nights, weekends, and flexible hours.
• Must demonstrate ability to communicate ideas effectively and efficiently.
• Must be a self-starter with demonstrated initiative.

Pay

The pay range is $21.63–$26.44 per hour, equivalent to approximately $45,000–$55,000 annually. The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.