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 / Digital Media Product Development

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive actionable insights for digital product experiences across leading news and entertainment brands like CNBC, MS NOW, and E! Online by employing a blend of qualitative and quantitative UX research methodologies.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, to translate complex user needs and behaviors into data-driven recommendations that shape product strategy and design.

• Develop and execute comprehensive research strategies aligned with ambitious digital goals and product roadmaps for a newly established product and tech unit.

• Advocate for the user throughout the entire product lifecycle, ensuring that user needs, motivations, and behaviors are understood and integrated into decision-making processes.

• Foster a data-driven culture and enhance empathy for users by synthesizing findings, presenting compelling research reports, and integrating behavioral analytics with qualitative insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a newly created product and tech unit, indicating an opportunity to shape processes and influence strategy from the ground up, particularly for digital products supporting major news and entertainment brands. The emphasis on "journalistic content" and being a "consumer of news and media" suggests a need for a candidate passionate about the content domain and its commercial aspects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct a variety of user research studies, including usability testing, in-depth user interviews, surveys, and ethnographic studies, to inform product decisions across digital platforms.

• Develop strategic research plans that directly support business objectives and product roadmap priorities for brands such as CNBC, MS NOW, and E! Online.

• Synthesize research findings from diverse sources, including behavioral analytics and qualitative data, into clear, actionable insights and present them effectively to guide design and product direction.

• Create compelling research deliverables such as detailed reports, user personas, and journey maps to communicate user understanding and advocate for user-centric design principles.

• Partner closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineers to define research questions, validate hypotheses, and ensure research findings are translated into tangible product improvements.

• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders, influencing strategic decisions and fostering a user-centered approach.

• Stay abreast of the latest UX research methodologies, tools, and emerging trends within digital media and consumer technology to continuously improve research practices.

• Contribute to fostering a company-wide culture of evidence-based decision-making and a deep empathy for user needs and experiences.

• Integrate behavioral analytics data with qualitative research insights to provide a holistic understanding of user interactions and product performance.

• Champion user needs and advocate for user-centric design principles across all stages of the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a candidate who can not only execute research but also strategically plan, synthesize complex data, and influence executive-level decisions within a fast-paced media environment. The emphasis on "journalistic content" and being "fluent in the editorial, technical, and commercial worlds" suggests a need for a researcher who can bridge these domains.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in User Experience (UX) research, with a specific focus on digital media products.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in a wide range of qualitative research methods (e.g., user interviews, contextual inquiry, ethnography, focus groups).

• Expertise in quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys, A/B testing analysis, data analysis, statistical interpretation).

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex behavioral data, identify patterns, and derive actionable insights.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present complex findings clearly, persuasively, and concisely to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.

• Solid understanding of web, mobile application, and Over-The-Top (OTT) product landscapes within the consumer (B2C) sector, particularly in media and publishing.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive design principles to ensure products are usable by a wide range of users.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior management and present research findings with a clear, confident point of view.

• Strong experience in advocating for the customer through the strategic use of research, data, and user testing.

• Familiarity with integrating behavioral analytics platforms with qualitative research findings.

• Experience with agile development methodologies and working within cross-functional product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "3 years of UX research experience in digital media" and proficiency in "both qualitative and quantitative research methods" points to a mid-level role requiring a solid foundation and practical application of research techniques. The desired qualifications suggest a preference for candidates who can not only conduct research but also evangelize for the user and navigate complex organizational dynamics within the media industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of end-to-end UX research projects, showcasing the entire research lifecycle from planning and execution to synthesis and impact.

• Case studies detailing specific research challenges faced, the methodologies employed, and the resulting product or design recommendations.

• Evidence of translating research findings into actionable insights that directly informed product strategy, design decisions, or feature enhancements.

• Examples of user personas, journey maps, or other research artifacts that effectively communicate user needs and behaviors to stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase of documented research processes, including how research plans were developed, how participants were recruited, and how data was collected and analyzed.

• Examples of workflow optimization through research, illustrating how user feedback led to streamlined processes or improved user flows.

• Evidence of implementing and iterating on research methodologies based on project needs and organizational context.

• Documentation demonstrating the ability to integrate research findings into existing product development workflows and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present a portfolio that not only highlights research skills but also demonstrates a strategic approach to research planning, synthesis, and its direct impact on product outcomes within a digital media context. The focus is on showcasing how research drives tangible improvements and informs product strategy.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan with 401(k) options.

• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

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

• Onsite gourmet cafeteria with diverse daily specials and soup/salad bars.

• Convenient onsite services including dry cleaning.

• Complimentary shuttle transportation services connecting to and from multiple locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Hoboken, and Jersey City.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on the explicit mention in the job description and is competitive for a mid-level UX Researcher role in the New Jersey area, considering the industry and company. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting the company's commitment to employee well-being and convenience, particularly with the onsite amenities and transportation options.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment, News, Digital Content, Technology

Company Size: The company description mentions "powerhouse cable networks" and "dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands," suggesting a large, established media conglomerate. While an exact employee count isn't provided, the scope of brands (USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, Golf Channel, Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, etc.) indicates a significant workforce, likely in the thousands. This implies a structured corporate environment with opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the mention of "iconic and trusted brands" and "industry-changing media company" suggests a long-standing presence in the media landscape, evolving with technological shifts.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be part of a newly created product and tech unit, indicating a startup-like environment within a larger corporation focused on ambitious digital goals.

• Collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, suggesting a cross-functional, agile team structure.

• The role reports to the Director of Product Design, indicating a clear reporting line within the design and product development hierarchy.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes an "industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit," suggesting a culture that embraces change and encourages creative problem-solving.

• A commitment to "delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service" highlights a user-centric approach to product development.

• The UX Researcher role is specifically tasked with fostering a "culture of evidence-based decision-making and empathy for users," indicating a data-driven and user-focused operational methodology.

• The company aims to "ignite passions, spark conversations, and connect people to what they love most," emphasizing the impact and engagement of their content and products.

Company Website: https://www.versantmedia.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Versant operates as a large media conglomerate with a portfolio of well-known brands. The creation of a new product and tech unit suggests a strategic investment in digital innovation. The culture likely blends corporate structure with an entrepreneurial drive, emphasizing user experience and data-driven decisions within the dynamic news and entertainment sectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Mid-Level UX Researcher, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the foundational stages of a new product and tech unit, allowing for exposure to strategic product development and influencing key decisions. The position requires a blend of research execution, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will report directly to the Director of Product Design. This provides a clear line of mentorship and guidance, allowing for focused development in UX research practices and strategic product thinking. The role also involves close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers, fostering a cross-functional team dynamic.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is critical to the success of digital products for CNBC, MS NOW, and E! Online. By uncovering user needs and behaviors, the researcher directly influences product strategy, design decisions, and feature development, aiming to enhance user engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately, the commercial success of these brands. The findings will guide investments in new product initiatives and optimizations of existing platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, experimental design for A/B testing) or specialize in specific product areas within news, sports, or entertainment media.

• Leadership Development: Progress into a Senior UX Researcher role, leading larger research initiatives, mentoring junior researchers, and taking on more strategic product involvement. Potential for transition into product management or design leadership roles depending on career trajectory and skill development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various facets of the media business, including editorial, technology, marketing, and revenue generation, which can open doors to broader roles within Versant.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping the user experience of influential media brands, potentially leading to industry recognition or thought leadership opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned to offer significant growth potential within a large media organization, especially within the newly formed digital product unit. The emphasis on influencing strategy and working across major brands provides a strong platform for career advancement in UX research and product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is an on-site position located at Versant's headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. The description highlights a corporate office environment with extensive amenities.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: 900 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is part of a large corporate headquarters, suggesting a professional and well-equipped environment.

• Onsite amenities like a fitness center, gourmet cafeteria, and dry cleaning services contribute to a comfortable and convenient work experience.

• The presence of a new product and tech unit implies a potentially dynamic and collaborative atmosphere focused on innovation.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time position, typically involving a standard 40-hour work week.

• While the core hours are expected, the nature of product development and research may require some flexibility to meet project deadlines or conduct time-sensitive user studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is balanced by significant employee perks and transportation options, suggesting the company invests in employee experience and aims to attract talent to its Englewood Cliffs campus. The environment is likely a blend of corporate professionalism and the focused energy of a new digital product initiative.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications and required skills. Candidates with strong digital media UX research experience and impactful case studies will be prioritized.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, research methodologies, and understanding of the UX research field. Be prepared to articulate your approach to planning and executing research.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study Review: A key stage where you will present 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio. This will involve explaining the research problem, your methodology, key findings, and the impact of your recommendations. Be ready to discuss how you influenced product decisions and collaborated with teams.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Engineers to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate research into agile development processes.

• Executive/Director Interview: A final interview, likely with the Director of Product Design or a senior leader, to evaluate your strategic thinking, ability to influence senior stakeholders, and overall fit with the company's vision and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in qualitative and quantitative research, with a strong emphasis on digital media or B2C products.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research questions, the methods used, your key findings, the actionable insights derived, and the impact (e.g., improved metrics, design changes, strategic shifts). Quantify impact whenever possible.

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with cross-functional teams (PMs, Designers, Engineers) and how your research influenced their work.

• Showcase Diverse Methods: Include examples of both qualitative and quantitative research to demonstrate breadth of skills.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your research directly contributed to business goals or user experience improvements. Use data and metrics to support your claims.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your research process, decision-making, challenges, and how you handle conflicting feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential scenario-based questions or a take-home exercise that simulates a research challenge.

• Practice articulating your thought process for solving UX problems within the context of digital news and entertainment content.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach research for specific product goals, e.g., increasing user engagement on a news app or improving the subscription conversion rate for a premium content service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio presentation and the ability to demonstrate practical research application and strategic influence. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that highlight their impact and collaborative skills within a digital product environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for managing participant recruitment, scheduling, and potentially conducting remote moderated or unmoderated studies (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, UsabilityHub).

• Survey Tools: Proficiency in creating and deploying surveys for data collection (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms).

• Prototyping/Wireframing Tools (for review): Familiarity with tools used by designers to understand prototypes and user flows (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to analyze user behavior data, track key metrics, and integrate with qualitative findings.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret and potentially create dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker Studio to present behavioral data alongside research insights.

• Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, analysis, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) used for customer segmentation or understanding user profiles might be beneficial.

• Understanding of how user data is managed and potentially utilized for targeted content or features could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a UX Researcher primarily revolves around research execution and data analysis tools. While direct use of design or development tools may be limited, familiarity with the output of these tools (prototypes, analytics dashboards) is crucial for effective collaboration and insight generation. The integration of behavioral analytics with qualitative research is a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs, ensuring that products are designed with the end-user in mind.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing evidence and insights derived from research and analytics to inform strategic and tactical decisions, moving beyond intuition alone.

• Collaboration and Transparency: Fostering open communication and teamwork across departments (Product, Design, Engineering, Editorial) to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation and Agility: Embracing new ideas, adapting to changing market trends, and working efficiently within agile development cycles to deliver impactful digital experiences.

• Passion for Content: A genuine interest in news, sports, and entertainment media, understanding the unique dynamics and user motivations within these content domains.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with Product Managers to define research objectives aligned with business goals, and with Designers to translate insights into user-centered designs.

• Partnership with Engineering: Collaborating with engineers to understand technical constraints and possibilities, and to ensure research findings are feasible for implementation.

• Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicating research findings and their implications to a diverse range of stakeholders, from product teams to executive leadership, influencing strategy and decision-making.

• Feedback Culture: Actively participating in design reviews, product strategy discussions, and providing constructive feedback to enhance product development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of corporate structure with a focus on innovation, user advocacy, and data-driven decision-making, particularly relevant to the fast-paced digital media landscape. Collaboration is key, requiring the researcher to be an effective communicator and partner across various functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Navigating the diverse needs and goals of multiple brands (CNBC, MS NOW, E! Online) and stakeholders, each with unique user bases and commercial objectives.

• Pace of Digital Media: Keeping up with the rapid evolution of digital platforms, content consumption habits, and emerging technologies within the news and entertainment sectors.

• Data Synthesis Complexity: Integrating diverse data sources (qualitative research, behavioral analytics, market trends) into cohesive and actionable insights.

• Influencing Senior Stakeholders: Effectively advocating for user needs and research-backed recommendations to influence strategic decisions made by executives who may have different priorities.

• Establishing New Processes: As part of a newly created product and tech unit, there will be an opportunity to help define and refine research processes and best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement more sophisticated research methodologies, potentially including experimental design, advanced analytics integration, or longitudinal studies.

• Industry Expertise: Deepen understanding of the digital media, news, and entertainment industries, including content strategy, monetization models (subscriptions, advertising), and audience engagement drivers.

• Product Strategy Involvement: Gain hands-on experience in shaping product roadmaps and strategic direction by contributing user insights to high-level planning.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance by the Director of Product Design and collaborate with experienced product professionals, fostering professional growth.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Enhance skills in areas such as data analysis, presentation, and stakeholder management through regular interaction with diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges common in large media organizations, particularly in a new digital unit, but also offers significant growth in specialized research, strategic influence, and industry knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a product decision based on research findings. What was the challenge, what was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study focusing on influence and impact.)

• "How would you approach developing a research strategy for a new feature designed to increase user engagement for a news app like CNBC's?" (Think about identifying key hypotheses, target users, and appropriate research methods.)

• "How do you balance qualitative insights with quantitative data when making product recommendations? Provide an example." (Focus on your synthesis process and how you triangulate data.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Versant and specifically about researching for CNBC, MS NOW, and E! Online?" (Show genuine interest in the brands and the media industry.)

• "How do you foster empathy for users within a product team, especially when there might be conflicting business goals?" (Discuss your advocacy skills and communication strategies.)

• "Describe your experience working in an agile development environment. How do you integrate research into sprints?" (Highlight your adaptability and collaborative approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  1. The Problem/Opportunity: What was the business or user challenge?
  2. Your Role & Objectives: What were you tasked with achieving?
  3. Methodology: What research methods did you use and why?
  4. Key Findings: What did you learn?
  5. Actionable Insights & Recommendations: What did you suggest based on findings?
  6. Impact & Outcome: How did your work influence the product or business metrics? Quantify if possible.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your research led to tangible improvements or strategic shifts.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific choices, challenges, and alternative approaches.

• Showcase Data Synthesis: Be ready to discuss how you combined different types of data to arrive at your conclusions.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with PMs, Designers, and Engineers throughout the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of research skills, strategic thinking, strong communication, and the ability to influence product decisions within the media context. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in digital media UX research, proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative methods, and any experience with B2C products, news, or entertainment content.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, specific research methodologies used, key deliverables (personas, journey maps), and any quantifiable impact your research has had on product success. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX research case studies that best demonstrate your skills in planning, execution, synthesis, and impact. Be ready to present these in detail, focusing on the problem, your process, findings, and the resulting influence on product decisions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Versant's brands (CNBC, MS NOW, E! Online), their current digital offerings, and the broader media landscape. Understand their target audiences and business goals to better tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding specific interview stages or portfolio requirements, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application process.