Writer/Reporter - Home & Appliances - Consumer Reports

OVERVIEW:

One of the world’s most influential mission-driven media organizations, Consumer Reports produces award-winning digital, print, and video content that guides readers through their shopping decisions and promotes a fairer, more transparent marketplace.

 

As a writer/reporter on the Home team, you'll report to a Deputy Content Editor. You'll work hand-in-hand with our product testers, social media and survey teams, and shopping and newsletter editors to conceive and execute on a range of Home content across multiple platforms. Our writers/reporters stay on top of the latest news and products, so they can generate content that is smart, relevant, and cutting-edge.  

 

If you believe that consumers are entitled to a fair marketplace—along with unbiased product reviews, independent news articles and investigative reports—come join the team!

 

 Under our CRFlex program, this is a hybrid position.  The successful candidate must reside within 75 miles of our Yonkers, NY location. This position is not eligible for Sponsorship (TN, L1, etc.)

HOW YOU'LL MAKE AN IMPACT:

From choosing the best battery lawnmower to how to get PFAs out of your tap water,, consumers rely on CR to help them make informed choices. Through in-depth reporting as well as close collaboration with engineers in our labs, the journalists on CR’s Home team inform readers about how to get the most out of the products they buy, keep their family safe, and spend their money wisely. 

On a regular basis, you will:

• Pitch, research, and write articles across multiple platforms.
• Interview expert sources externally and internally.
• Follow and research the latest home and appliance news, and track market trends in order to generate relevant story ideas.
• Possibly act as in-home spokesperson for media outreach and industry events and as an on-camera home subject matter expert for CR video platforms, including social media. 
• Participate as a member of a cross-functional product testing and content team, collaborating with other team members to ensure objectives for accuracy and timeliness. 
• Meet weekly digital story production targets.
• Become the editorial expert for one or more home product or service categories within the content group. 

ABOUT YOU:

You’ll Be Highly Rated If:

 

• You have the reporting chops. You have at least three years of reporting experience, in addition to a Bachelor's Degree in journalism or a related field. 
• You take a reader-first approach. You can convert technical insights and data into informative, well-written, easy-to-understand content. 
• You are home-savvy. You are knowledgeable and interested in consumer products, with a willingness to become an expert on anything from dishwashers to heat pumps, coffeemakers to lawn mowers.
• You are an idea generator. You are a creative thinker with lots of original story ideas to pitch.
• You're a self-starter. You can work independently as well as collaboratively across multiple platforms and with other writers, editors, and members from a variety of departments. 
• You thrive in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment. You can work on multiple projects at once without losing focus or sacrificing attention to detail.
•  You're deadline driven. You’re capable of turning around engaging, well-written stories quickly, while balancing competing demands and priorities. 
• You’re familiar with digital publishing platforms. You have competency in Word Press and Google docs, with the ability to learn other platforms as needed.

 

You'll be one of our top picks if:

 

• You are a sharp writer. Your copy is clean, concise and well-organized. You have a knack for translating technical information into language anyone can understand. 
• You have knowledge in certain categories. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in sustainable products, home systems, and home appliances.
• You are an excellent communicator. You are able to clearly express ideas for articles and share information with colleagues.
• You are insatiably curious. You have a reporter’s thirst for knowledge and the ability to pose questions that will get you the answers you need.
• You appreciate multimedia storytelling. You’re a versatile journalist who can collaborate with designers and video and photo editors on visual treatments across platforms.
• You are data-driven.You are adept at using SEO research, web metrics, and other market data to guide your work.
• You enjoy collaboration. You’re open to working alongside CR colleagues—editors, fact-checkers, testers, consumer advocates, layout designers, etc.—to create stories that genuinely impact consumers and the marketplace.   
• You are comfortable in front of a microphone or camera. You welcome the opportunity to participate in video projects and represent CR in social media, podcast, and press appearances. 
• You are a quick study. You can swiftly bring yourself up to speed on new product categories and topics of the day, adapting to new story formats and emerging newsroom tools. You like experimenting.

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WHO WE ARE:Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to a fair and just marketplace for consumers. Our team is made up of truth tellers, change agents, and consumer advocates who investigate and build coalitions to fight for fairness and justice in the marketplace. We leverage our evidence-based approach to demand safer products, a healthier environment, and equitable services for everyone. Our mission starts with you. We offer medical benefits from that start on your first day as a CR employee that include behavioral health coverage and unlimited sick days. There’s also generous family planning benefits and a generous 401K match. Learn more about how CR’s advocates for strong benefits on behalf of their employees here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/careers/landing-page/index.htm FAIR PAY & A JUST WORKPLACE:At Consumer Reports, we are committed to fair, transparent pay and we strive to provide competitive, market-informed compensation. The target salary range for this position is $85k to $95k. It is anticipated that most qualified candidates will fall near the middle of this range. Compensation for the successful candidate will be informed by the candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience.Consumer Reports proudly seeks to build a richly diverse workforce by hiring people with a diversity of thoughts, identities, perspectives, and experiences that help advance the difference we make for consumers, and by ensuring our people experience equity and inclusion in their work lives. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQIA people, people of color, and people with disabilities.