Senior Writer (London) Data and Tactics

About Us

The Athletic is a digital sports media company that brings true sports fans closer to the athletes, teams and leagues that captivate their attention. We serve a multi-faceted audience that craves a richer connection and understanding with immersive storytelling and a like-minded community of fans. Founded in 2016 and with major operational hubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, London and Melbourne, we empower a truly global team of more than 600 creators and cover more than 250 professional sports and collegiate teams across the United States, Canada and the UK. Our newsroom has produced thousands of in-depth reports along with more than 120 podcasts and other forms of premium content. Put simply, The Athletic is at the center of a sports fan’s universe.

About the Role

The Athletic is looking for a senior data and tactics writer able to conceive, report and write unique, analytical stories covering professional football.

This is a hybrid position based in the London, United Kingdom.

Responsibilities

• At least two 1k word articles a week (or one longer one) plus help on live pieces/data requests/collaborative projects as required.
• Understand the sport's advanced metrics and how to apply them to written work.
• Deliver authoritative, must-read data-focused stories that drive the national conversation in football.
• Ability to deliver high-level, in-the-moment stories when news dictates.
• Contribute on multiple platforms, including podcasts, social media, headlines and short form.
• Clean, skilled writing in long, medium and short-form formats.
• Tell rich, ambitious features through deep reporting and access to get beyond superficial storylines.
• Balance mid- and long-term projects while delivering stories and news analysis.
• Utilize a creative approach to story ideation and formats.
• Connect with the audience constructively by interacting with our comments sections.
• Use internal metrics to provide what subscribers desire.

Analysis Skills

• Take a key role in generating meaningful insights and metrics using statistical techniques.
• Conduct thorough data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and key insights using a variety of different football datasets.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to translate complex data into actionable insights through impactful data visualisation.
• Communicate data insights effectively in written or audio format to different audiences.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in statistical programming languages, preferably R and/or Python, for data analysis and data viz production.
• You will create ambitious, unique features that utilise advanced metrics and use your highly-regarded position in the online tactics & data community. You should work effectively with colleagues and communicate effectively with them and with editors. You will meet deadlines set by editors.
• Experience in the fundamentals of data analysis and data visualization.
• Experience in utilizing data to drive insights related to football specific questions.
• Experience with football specific datasets.
• Demonstrable experience collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Deep and comprehensive knowledge of the league's players and playing styles.
• Demonstrated ability to react quickly and authoritatively to league news and developments.
• This is a hybrid position based in the London, United Kingdom. You must have the right to work in the UK