Strategic Intelligence Research Lead [AQ-23118]

Aquent is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in sports and innovation, a company that shapes the future of athletic performance and culture. This is an unparalleled opportunity to join their corporate intelligence team and make a tangible impact on strategic decision-making by transforming complex global developments into actionable intelligence that drives critical business conversations and strategies.

This pivotal contract assignment offers a unique opportunity for a highly curious, analytical, and articulate individual to be at the forefront of global events. You will serve as a key resource for leadership, dissecting complex geopolitical shifts, marketplace trends, and emerging risks. Your sharp insights and compelling communications will directly influence how this influential organization understands and navigates an increasingly complex world, contributing directly to strategic agility and informed responses across global operations.

What You’ll Do

• Research and analyze global news, geopolitical developments, sports, athlete-related events, supply chain disruptions, and marketplace trends.
• Help produce a daily world news briefing, summarizing important developments and explaining their potential business implications.
• Evaluate multiple information sources to develop accurate, balanced, and insightful reporting.
• Write, edit, and publish concise news summaries, research reports, and strategic intelligence briefings.
• Support ad hoc research requests, including deeper analysis of emerging issues and events.
• Collaborate with intelligence, security, sports marketing, communications, and other internal teams.
• Ensure all written materials meet high standards for accuracy, clarity, formatting, and timeliness.
  
  

Must-Have Qualifications

• Approximately 3–5 years of professional experience in research, journalism, communications, publishing, policy analysis, intelligence, or a related discipline.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience translating complex information into clear, concise, audience-ready content.
• Strong research, analytical thinking, fact-checking, and information synthesis abilities.
• Knowledge of, and genuine interest in, global affairs, politics, business developments, sports, and current events.
• Experience producing written reports, news summaries, briefings, or other deadline-driven publications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and PowerPoint.
• Excellent attention to detail, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to learn new subjects quickly.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance recurring deliverables with changing research priorities.
• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, international affairs, political science, business, or a related field is highly preferred.
  
  

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Corporate intelligence, public affairs, geopolitical research, or executive briefing experience.
• Familiarity with sports business, international markets, or global supply chains.
• Experience with InDesign, graphic design, data visualization, or polished report layouts.
• Experience using AI-assisted research and writing tools such as Microsoft Copilot.
• Familiarity with Campaign Monitor, Workvivo, or comparable publishing and internal communications platforms.
• Experience supporting a large multinational organization.
  
  

Impact and Growth Opportunities

• Make an impact: Help a globally influential sports brand understand important world events and emerging risks.
• Work on fascinating topics: Research everything from geopolitical developments and global markets to sports and athlete-related news.
• Build strategic exposure: Collaborate with intelligence, security, communications, and sports marketing stakeholders.
• Put your writing to work: Create timely, high-visibility briefings that inform business conversations and decisions.
• Expand your experience: Gain exposure to corporate strategic intelligence, with potential for contract extension based on business needs and performance.
  
  

Client Description

Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.