UX Researcher-CNBC, MS NOW and E! Online

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher - CNBC, MS NOW and E! Online

Company: Versant

Location: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: May 01, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centric product development through comprehensive UX research initiatives across digital media properties like CNBC, MS NOW, and E! Online.

• Plan, execute, and synthesize both qualitative and quantitative research studies to uncover actionable insights that inform product strategy and design decisions.

• Collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Analysts to translate user needs and behaviors into impactful product enhancements.

• Champion user advocacy throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring that evidence-based insights influence strategic planning and execution within a newly formed product and tech unit.

• Contribute to building innovative digital products for a leading news, sports, and entertainment media company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically situated within a "newly created product and tech unit" supporting ambitious digital goals for major news brands. This implies a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment where the UX Researcher will have a significant opportunity to shape processes and impact product direction from the ground up, rather than joining an established, mature team. The emphasis on "journalistic content," "news and media consumer," and fluency in "editorial, technical, and commercial worlds" highlights the need for a candidate deeply embedded in the media landscape.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive UX research strategies, aligning user needs with business objectives and product roadmaps for diverse digital media platforms.

• Lead and execute a variety of research methodologies, including usability testing, in-depth user interviews, surveys, ethnographic studies, and competitive analysis.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights, translating raw data into compelling narratives that guide product design and development.

• Create essential research artifacts such as user personas, journey maps, and detailed reports to communicate user understanding and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to define research questions, validate hypotheses, and ensure user needs are integrated into product specifications.

• Partner with data analytics teams to integrate behavioral analytics data with qualitative research findings for a holistic understanding of user behavior.

• Present research findings and strategic recommendations persuasively to executive leadership and cross-functional teams to influence product vision and decision-making.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles and foster a culture of empathy and evidence-based decision-making across the product and technology organization.

• Stay abreast of emerging UX research methodologies, tools, and industry best practices, particularly within the digital media and news landscape.

• Contribute to the definition and refinement of research processes and best practices within the new product and tech unit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making and empathy for users" is a critical leadership component of this role, especially within a newly formed unit. It suggests the candidate will not only conduct research but also actively influence how the organization approaches user understanding. The emphasis on partnering with "data analysts to integrate behavioral analytics with qualitative insights" points towards a need for a researcher comfortable with mixed-methods approaches and data triangulation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field is desired.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated UX research experience, with a significant portion focused on digital media products.

Required Skills:

• Qualitative Research Mastery: Proven expertise in conducting user interviews, focus groups, ethnographic studies, and contextual inquiries.

• Quantitative Research Proficiency: Strong command of survey design, A/B testing, and analysis of behavioral data (e.g., analytics, heatmaps).

• Analytical Acumen: Ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Communication & Presentation: Exceptional ability to articulate research findings, user needs, and strategic implications to diverse audiences, including executives, through compelling presentations and reports.

• Product Lifecycle Understanding: Experience working across the entire product development lifecycle, from discovery and ideation to iteration and optimization.

• Digital Media Savvy: Deep understanding of web, mobile app, and OTT products, particularly within the consumer (B2C) space, and a strong passion for news and media content.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a subscription business model, a news organization, or a content company/publisher.

• Familiarity with user research tools for surveys, testing, and data analysis.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

• Ability to work effectively with senior management and present research findings with a strong, well-supported point of view.

• Experience evangelizing for the customer through research, data, and user testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired Qualifications" strongly emphasize experience in "subscription business, a news organization or a content company / publisher," along with the ability to "evangeliz[e] for the customer." This suggests the company is looking for someone who not only understands research methods but can also act as a powerful internal advocate for the user, capable of driving change and adoption of user-centered practices within a media context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX research projects. Each case study should clearly outline the problem, research objectives, methodology employed, key findings, and the direct impact of your research on product decisions and outcomes.

• Methodology Diversity: Highlight experience with a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, providing specific examples of how each was applied to address different research questions.

• Insight Synthesis: Demonstrate your ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations that influenced product direction.

• Artifact Examples: Include examples of user personas, journey maps, user flows, or other deliverables that effectively communicate user understanding and guide design.

• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible, using metrics related to user satisfaction, engagement, conversion rates, or other relevant KPIs.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing research plans and strategies that align with product roadmaps and business goals.

• Examples of how research findings were documented and communicated to cross-functional teams (e.g., presentations, reports, workshops).

• Demonstrated experience in integrating research insights into agile development workflows and product iteration cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on influencing product strategy and working within a new unit, a portfolio that showcases not just research execution but also strategic thinking and the ability to drive change will be critical. The candidate should be prepared to discuss how they've championed user needs and influenced decision-making in previous roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Access to a state-of-the-art, free onsite fitness center with daily group classes.

• Onsite gourmet cafeteria with daily specials and healthy options.

• Additional perks may include dry cleaning services and exclusive previews.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, opportunities for flexible scheduling may arise depending on project needs and team collaboration, though primary work is expected from the Englewood Cliffs office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $100,000 - $130,000 USD for a UX Researcher with 2-5 years of experience in the Englewood Cliffs, NJ area is competitive and aligns with industry benchmarks for mid-level roles in the media and technology sectors. The extensive on-site amenities, including a fitness center and shuttle service, suggest a company culture that values employee well-being and convenience, making the on-site requirement more attractive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media, News, Entertainment, Technology, Digital Content. Versant operates at the intersection of traditional and digital media, home to iconic brands like USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, Golf Channel, Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, and SportsEngine. This diverse portfolio requires a nuanced understanding of different audience segments and content types.

Company Size: Versant is a significant player in the media landscape, indicated by its portfolio of powerhouse cable networks and dynamic digital brands. While exact employee numbers aren't provided, the breadth of its operations and publicly traded status suggest a large, established organization with multiple departments and a considerable workforce. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for structured career paths, access to robust resources, and engagement with complex, large-scale systems and processes.

Founded: Versant is a publicly traded company with a history rooted in established media entities, though its current structure and focus on digital transformation suggest a forward-thinking and adaptive approach. The "newly created product and tech unit" implies a strategic investment in innovation and growth, bringing an entrepreneurial spirit to established brands.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be part of a "newly created product and tech unit," suggesting a lean, agile, and potentially cross-functional team focused on digital innovation.

• The role reports to the Director of Product Design, indicating a direct line of influence within the design and product strategy functions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using research findings and behavioral analytics to inform product development.

• User-Centricity: Core principle of understanding and advocating for user needs throughout the product lifecycle.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: Implied by the need to integrate research into product roadmaps and development cycles for dynamic digital products.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong focus on working with diverse teams and presenting findings effectively to influence stakeholders.

Company Website: [Versant Company Website URL - Placeholder, as not provided in input]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by a blend of established media powerhouses and a new, innovation-focused digital unit. This dual nature means operations professionals must be adaptable, comfortable with both structured processes and entrepreneurial agility, and capable of navigating a large organization while contributing to a focused, forward-looking initiative. The emphasis on "news and media" consumer passion is a key cultural indicator for this specific role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Researcher (2-5 years of experience). It offers the opportunity to operate with a significant degree of autonomy in research design and execution, while still benefiting from guidance from a Director of Product Design. It's a crucial stage for developing expertise in advocating for users, influencing strategy, and managing complex research projects within a media context.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will report directly to the Director of Product Design. This provides a clear reporting line and an opportunity to work closely with design leadership, gaining insights into strategic design thinking and product vision. Collaboration will extend to Product Managers and Engineers, fostering a cross-functional dynamic.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's primary impact will be on the success of digital products for CNBC, MS NOW, and E! Online. By uncovering user needs and behaviors, the role directly influences product strategy, design decisions, and feature development, ultimately aiming to enhance user engagement, satisfaction, and potentially drive subscription growth or ad revenue through improved user experiences. The role plays a vital part in ensuring the digital offerings remain competitive and relevant in the fast-paced news and entertainment landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or product areas within digital media (e.g., news consumption, entertainment platforms, subscription models).

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Researcher or Lead UX Researcher role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior researchers, and shaping research strategy for larger initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into roles like Product Management, UX Design, or Product Operations, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development processes.

• Strategic Influence: Develop skills in influencing executive decision-making and driving organizational change through compelling research advocacy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "newly created product and tech unit" context is significant for growth. It suggests that individuals who can establish best practices, demonstrate impact, and contribute to building the unit's capabilities will have accelerated opportunities for leadership and greater influence within the organization as these teams mature.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at Versant's headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration and productivity. The presence of extensive amenities like a fitness center and cafeteria indicates a company that invests in its physical workspace and employee experience.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 900 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632. The company also offers free shuttle transportation from multiple locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Hoboken, and Jersey City, which is a significant perk for employees commuting from these areas.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is likely designed to foster interaction and teamwork, essential for a UX Researcher working closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers.

• Resource Access: Employees will have access to the necessary tools, technology, and resources to perform their roles effectively, including potential access to research labs or specialized software.

• Team Integration: Being on-site allows for spontaneous collaboration, informal feedback sessions, and a stronger sense of team cohesion, crucial for a newly formed unit.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the nature of UX research often requires flexibility to accommodate user availability for interviews and testing sessions, which may sometimes fall outside standard business hours. However, the primary expectation is presence at the Englewood Cliffs office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on on-site work, coupled with comprehensive shuttle services, indicates a strategic choice by Versant to foster in-person collaboration and team building, particularly within its new digital product unit. This environment is likely geared towards high-touch interaction and rapid iteration, which can be beneficial for research roles that thrive on constant communication and feedback.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on relevant UX research experience in digital media.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Director of Product Design to assess experience, research philosophy, and fit with the team's goals. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, detailing 1-2 key case studies. This is a critical stage to evaluate research methodology, insight synthesis, and communication skills.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Engineers to assess collaboration style, understanding of product development, and ability to integrate research into their workflows.

• Executive/Stakeholder Interview (Possible): For senior-level roles or critical positions, an interview with a higher-level executive may occur to gauge strategic thinking and ability to influence at a broader level.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio around compelling narratives for each case study. Clearly articulate the "why" behind the research, the challenges faced, and the "so what" – the impact on the product and business.

• Methodology Justification: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific research methods for each project and how they best addressed the research objectives.

• Actionable Insights: Focus on demonstrating how your insights led to concrete changes or informed strategic decisions. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%," "reduced user error rate by Y%").

• Visuals: Use visuals (screenshots, journey maps, personas) to illustrate your work, but ensure they support your narrative rather than replace it.

• Company Alignment: Tailor your presentation to highlight experiences and skills most relevant to Versant's news and entertainment brands and the specific challenges of a digital product unit.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Research Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem for one of Versant's brands (e.g., understanding user engagement with breaking news on CNBC, improving the discovery of content on E!).

• Methodology Selection: Practice articulating the rationale for choosing specific methods based on the nature of the problem, available resources, and desired outcomes.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to explain how you would communicate research findings and recommendations to different stakeholders (e.g., product managers, engineers, executives) to ensure buy-in and action.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "additional information" section mentions that external candidates "may be required to attend an in-person interview." This strongly suggests that the interview process will involve on-site components, reinforcing the on-site nature of the role and providing an opportunity for candidates to experience the work environment firsthand.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools: While not explicitly listed, a UX Researcher in this role would typically utilize a combination of:

• Survey Platforms: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform for designing and distributing surveys.

• Usability Testing Tools: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or internal tools for remote and in-person moderated and unmoderated testing.

• Interview & Moderation Tools: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams for conducting remote interviews and usability sessions.

• Data Analysis Software: Excel, Google Sheets; potentially statistical packages like SPSS, R, or Python for quantitative analysis; qualitative analysis tools like Dovetail, NVivo, or Atlas.ti.

• Prototyping & Design Tools (for review): Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD to understand and provide feedback on designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to analyze user behavior data.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio) to create dashboards and reports that integrate research findings with quantitative data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by UX Research, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms might be beneficial for understanding customer journeys and data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on integrating "behavioral analytics with qualitative insights" points to a need for a researcher comfortable working with data from analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics, and potentially using tools to visualize and report on this data.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Advocacy: A deep commitment to understanding and representing the user's needs and perspectives in all product decisions.

• Data-Driven Decisions: A belief in leveraging research findings and analytics to inform strategy and validate hypotheses, moving beyond intuition alone.

• Collaboration: A proactive approach to working with cross-functional teams, fostering open communication and shared ownership of product success.

• Empathy: Cultivating an understanding and appreciation for the diverse needs, motivations, and experiences of users.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and continuously improve digital product experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is designed to be deeply embedded within product development teams, working hand-in-hand with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers.

• Evidence-Based Dialogue: Fostering discussions grounded in research data and user insights to guide product strategy and resolve disagreements.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing findings, insights, and recommendations to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the research process.

• Feedback Loop: Actively seeking and incorporating feedback from team members on research plans, methods, and findings to ensure relevance and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user-centricity, analytical rigor, and collaborative spirit, which are foundational for a successful UX Researcher, especially within a dynamic, newly formed product unit. The "innovation" value is particularly relevant given the company's strategic focus on digital growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Needs: Navigating the inherent tension between user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints across multiple news brands.

• Pace of Digital Media: Keeping pace with rapid trends and user behavior shifts in the fast-moving digital news and entertainment landscape.

• Establishing Research Processes: As part of a "newly created product and tech unit," the challenge of defining and embedding robust UX research processes from the ground up.

• Data Integration Complexity: Effectively synthesizing diverse data sources (qualitative, quantitative, behavioral analytics) into cohesive, actionable insights.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Persuading diverse stakeholders, including executives, to adopt user-centered recommendations, especially when they conflict with existing assumptions or priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Depth: Opportunity to refine and expand expertise in advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

• Industry Insight: Gain deep knowledge of the digital media industry, news consumption habits, and entertainment trends.

• Strategic Impact: Develop skills in shaping product strategy and influencing executive-level decisions through effective research advocacy.

• Team Building: Contribute to the foundational development of a new product and technology unit, potentially shaping its culture and operational practices.

• Mentorship: Work closely with a Director of Product Design, providing opportunities for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the role's context: being part of a new unit and operating within the dynamic digital media industry. Overcoming these challenges will provide significant opportunities for professional growth and demonstrated impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a user need that conflicted with business goals. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus: Persuasion, data-driven argument)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a research strategy for a new digital product or feature within the news/entertainment space." (Focus: Strategic planning, methodology selection)

• "How do you balance qualitative insights with quantitative data and behavioral analytics to form a comprehensive understanding of user behavior?" (Focus: Mixed-methods, data integration)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for Versant's media brands (CNBC, MS NOW, E!) specifically?" (Focus: Passion for media, brand understanding)

• "How do you foster a user-centric culture within product teams?" (Focus: Advocacy, influence)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the company context for each case study. Clearly state the problem/objective, your chosen methodology, key findings, and the resulting impact on the product or business.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., "Our recommendations led to a 15% increase in user task completion rates").

• Highlight Strategic Input: Emphasize how your research directly informed product strategy, design decisions, or business objectives.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, data analysis, and decision-making rationale. Be prepared to discuss challenges and alternative approaches.

• Showcase Communication Skills: Present clearly, concisely, and confidently, tailoring your language to the audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on influencing diverse stakeholders and working in a new unit, interview questions will likely probe not just research skills but also strategic thinking, communication effectiveness, and the ability to drive change. The portfolio presentation is key to demonstrating these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application directly through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio showcasing 2-3 strong case studies that highlight your UX research process, from strategy and execution to insights and impact on digital media products. Ensure you can articulate the "why" behind your methods and quantify outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in digital media, proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research, and your ability to translate findings into actionable product recommendations. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your research philosophy, demonstrate your problem-solving skills through hypothetical scenarios relevant to CNBC or E! Online, and practice presenting your portfolio effectively.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Versant's brands (CNBC, MS NOW, E!, etc.), their digital presence, and recent news or product developments. Understand their target audiences and the competitive landscape in digital media.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.