San Francisco Business Times seeks editorial researcher

Do you love data? Help us revolutionize story-telling at the San Francisco Business Times.

The Business Times is looking for a full-time editorial researcher to serve on our two-person team. The researcher is responsible for telling the story of business through data. He/She handles the popular Top 25 lists that appear weekly in the newspaper’s print edition and its website and annually in its Book of Lists.

These lists can include a”list story” with a story, photos and graphics related to the lists. Researchers also contribute blogs to our website about the research, however, please note that this is NOT a writing position.

We’re looking for a well-organized person who can research everything from the Bay Area’s top commercial real estate firms to its largest wineries, then organize it in a clear, accurate, readable format.

The researcher will also organize and oversee a selection of more extensive annual research projects the paper produces, including issues on the fastest-growing private companies, largest corporate philanthropists, and top women-owned businesses. All projects include associated online components featured on our website.

The researcher also works with our team of editors and reporters to develop supplemental information that informs readers about the stories behind the numbers.

Lists are also tied to some SFBT events. Researchers will sometimes provide award honoree information to the events team.

The Business Times is the leading source of local business news in the Bay Area. This is a vital and important role in our newsroom in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

Duties:

Produce weekly Top 25 lists.

Produce stories and graphics to explain and magnify interesting trends, providing deep views into rankings.

Locate and survey every relevant company for each Top 25 list in accordance with the Business Journal’s editorial calendar. The target is 100 percent participation by every relevant company or other party.

Create, update and maintain database of all companies and sources to be surveyed for every list.

Follow up by telephone, e-mail or other means at least three times to individual companies and organizations that don’t respond to initial list survey. Keep accurate, thorough records of each communication.

Attend and participate in editorial staff meetings.

Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all colleagues and professionally with sources

Necessary Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. MLS (Masters in Library Science) degree a plus.

Experience with Excel preferred.

Fierce attention to detail and ability to stay on schedule.

Ability to learn new computer systems easily.

Skilled at data analysis and interpretation.

A background in research or journalism. An interest in data journalism preferred.

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Incredible attention to detail.

Fixation on 100 percent accuracy.

A near obsessive nature/pride about work.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Proficiency with Internet research and strong numeracy — the candidate shouldn’t be afraid of numbers.

Professionalism and persuasiveness on the phone.

Interest to learn about and research various local industries, from real estate and tech to food, law, health care and many others.
A knack for ferreting out hard-to-find details.

Solid proofreading skills.

A sense of humor.

To apply:

-Email a resume and a cover letter explaining why you would be a great researcher to efancher at bizjournals.com . Please do not include large attachments as they will bounce.