Reporter (Retail)

The Retail Reporter should be able to efficiently develop new relationships with industry professionals - typically buyers, suppliers and other high-level contacts - and maintain those relationships over time. The Reporter needs to be creative, curious, and most of all determined to build a dependable list of contacts often viewed as difficult to reach. While the end-product is finance related, having Wall Street expertise is less important than a passion for uncovering news and breaking stories. The Reporter’s primary responsibility will be contributing feedback from in-depth interviews with sources to research reports. Regular writing opportunities may be assigned after a reporter builds a track record of delivering high quality source interviews. Clear, concise writing and communication skills are other important aspects of this role. Organizational and analytical skills, an ability to “connect the dots” and generate new research ideas are other key attributes of the role. The Retail Reporter will work closely with the Retail Editor, Director of Retail Research and the rest of the Retail team to provide relevant and timely marketplace intelligence.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

Background in investigative reporting and journalism, ideally 3+ years within retail/footwear/apparel industry; existing high-level retail, brand or manufacturing sources a big plus
Excellent interviewing skills, ability to network in a remote setting, cold call, obtain in-depth interviews and accurately capture detailed notes
The ideal candidate is professional, persistent, friendly and has the multiple skills it takes to build and maintain a base of high-level industry sources
Ability to analyze, identify and interpret essential findings; spot trends and discrepancies in a story, understand and articulate changes and underlying factors driving change

Understanding of key trends shaping the retail industry and its leading operators, and an ability to identify inflections in those trends; experience with financial writing a plus
Strong organizational skills; an ideal candidate is a quick learner and able to think proactively, multitask and meet deadlines, communicates and responds in a timely fashion
The ideal candidate will be able to work well within a team, but is also self-motivated, shows initiative and is efficient when working remotely; schedule flexibility is a must
Confidence and the ability to maintain a positive attitude while working under pressure
This is a remote, hourly position.