Reporter and Reviews Editor, Autos

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 for consumers. 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 that start on your first day as a CR employee that include behavioral health coverage, family planning and a generous 401K match. Learn more about how CR advocates on behalf of our employees.

OVERVIEW

At Consumer Reports we know there’s more to testing cars than measuring how the rubber meets the road, after all we’ve been testing and reporting on the subject for over 85 years. We’re on the cutting edge of auto technology, buying more than 50 new vehicles—including EVs, plug-in hybrids, and of course, gas-only models—each year from dealerships. We drive each one for 2,000 break-in miles, even before we take the car on our test track. At that point we put each through more than 50 objective and subjective tests and evaluations in order to be able to give them a rating.

As a Reporter and Reviews Editor on the Cars team, you’ll report to the Deputy Content Editor. You’ll be based at our 327-acre Auto Test Center (ATC) working alongside other reporters and editors, as well as working collaboratively with colleagues from Auto Testing, Video, Advocacy, Survey, Design, Fact Check, and other stakeholders in order to conceive and execute a range of digital, print, interactive, social, and video content.

We’re looking for someone with a passion for cars and a critical eye for detail, plus knowledge and insight into the automotive development process, product lifecycle and industry as a whole (including emerging technologies like electric and plug-in vehicles). Learn more about how we test cars and scrutinize  test and survey data to help consumers make informed choices. 

This is a hybrid position located in Colchester, Connecticut. It is not eligible for sponsorship.

How'll Make An Impact

CR members rely on us to provide valuable, unbiased insights into the safety, performance, and efficiency of each vehicle we test. You’ll be an integral part of this process, working closely with stakeholders across the organization to maximize resources and consumer impact. On a daily basis, you may:

Writing and Editing 

• Under general guidance, generate auto content across multiple platforms ensuring content is current and of the highest quality. 
• Proactively follow and report on autos, ensuring content is relevant, timely, cutting-edge, and addresses consumer needs.
• Act as on-camera autos subject-matter expert for all CR video platforms; may be asked to execute and review drafts of video scripts.
• Assist digital editorial team to maintain specialty products such as Buying Guides, Product Pages, and other regularly-updated content on Consumer Reports Online.
• Write headlines, subheads, captions, cover lines, etc. as necessary. Prepare sourcing for fact-checking.
• Serve as both in-house autos spokesperson and representative for media outreach, tradeshows, and industry events.

Collaboration:

• Move content through the production process, incorporating changes by related parties, copy-fitting, and conferring with art and production colleagues.
• Review automobiles at ATC and in everyday life and collaborate with engineering team.
• Coordinate information among ATC, Advocacy, Survey, Social, Communications, Design, and other organizational teams that support assigned content areas.
• Help with the planning and scheduling process, create sidebars and infographics that animate stories and reports.

Time Management

• Able to juggle small and large projects, hitting key milestones and communicating progress clearly. 

About You

You’ll Be Highly Rated If:

• You have the experience. You have at least 5+ years of multi-platform print and digital journalism, with editorial experience with an automotive, business, and/or consumer protection focus. 
• You know cars. You have a thorough knowledge of cars and the industry. You have reviewed cars and provided car-buying and maintenance advice for large audiences.
• You have the education. You have earned your Bachelor’s Degree.
• You are strategic and creative when it comes to content creation and generating ideas for infographics across all media using SEO guidance to enhance reach.
• You are adaptable, smoothly transitioning your writing style from hard news to expository writing.
• You are skilled in collecting and interpreting data and can turn complex automotive information into easily digestible and informative content.
• You are collaborative and comfortable working in a cross-functional and highly matrixed organization.
• You are deadline-driven with the ability to stay organized and multi-task while meeting rigid deadlines.
• You have a U.S. driver’s license in good standing 

You’ll Be One Of Our Top Picks If:

• You understand car maintenance and basic automotive engineering.
• You have experience with K4, WordPress, and Google Workspace.
• You are camera ready with on-camera experience and media training.

FAIR PAY AND 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 $99,971.28-$115K. 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 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions or lactation), gender identity and expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service or veteran status, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.  Consumer Reports will provide you with any reasonable assistance or accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.