Data Visuals Journalist, Sport

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We are looking for a data visuals journalist, sport to enhance our coverage of football and other sports.

You’ll create engaging and insightful sports data and visuals for the Guardian, serving UK, US and global audiences. The role will ideally be based in the UK, reporting into the UK visuals and sports desks, but we would consider exceptional candidates who wish to be based elsewhere. Please indicate if that is the case when you are applying.

The role is part of a significant expansion of the Guardian’s coverage of soccer in and for the US. It will also involve collaboration with our US and Australia offices ahead of and during the 2026 and 2027 World Cups and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.

• Pitching and developing a variety of data-driven formats –– from breaking news stories to in-depth analysis, explainers, and creative Q&A –– using empirical insights to engage new audiences and broaden how sports journalism is told
• Strong instincts for finding compelling data narratives that challenge assumptions and provide surprising insights into specific sports, players, or styles of play
• Acquiring, cleaning and analysing datasets, often under time pressure
• Balancing data work, writing, and collaboration with visual and other teams to ensure the delivery of short-turnaround and longer-term projects with to deadline
• Using Data Wrapper and other software to generate simple visualisations
• Synthesising, simplifying and presenting complex sports stats and tactics data, with a specific focus on football, in an appealing, clear and visual way

• Significant experience of working with data analysis tools to generate strong news lines and rigorous analysis
• Highly skilled in data sourcing, cleaning and analysis
• Skilled with spreadsheet and database software. Excellent knowledge of Google sheets or equivalent; R would be a plus
• Excellent writing skills to produce standalone piece
• Creative and forward‑looking, and track record of generating original story ideas
• Ability to both provide original data angles to news stories and produce original stories and analysis
• Excellent knowledge of football, both women's and men's
• Strong understanding of the Guardian’s sport coverage online and off‑platform
• Ideally you will have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to the role

We actively encourage applications from candidates who are Black, Asian or minority‑ethnic (BAME), or from other groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.

We operate in a hybrid environment working 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross and 2 days a week remotely.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Many of our staff work flexibly and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for.

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about your relevant experience.

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI‑assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team.

T…