Investigative Reporter, Special Projects

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.

THE OVERVIEW

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

CR’s investigative journalism team has alerted consumers about the dangers posed by water beads to children and infant formulas that have higher levels of lead and arsenic; our writers have shared how synthetic braiding hair contains dangerous chemicals and how neighborhoods with a disproportionately high number of people of color and low-income residents are adversely affected when Amazon warehouses come to town. They’ve helped readers navigate the complex world of food safety with in-depth reports on dark chocolate and cinnamon. 

We are looking for an experienced investigative journalist capable of uncovering the threats and challenges consumers face in this constantly changing landscape. You’ll be reporting to the Manager, Special Projects and working closely with our scientists, engineers, and advocates, you will conceive, create, and produce deeply reported investigative and enterprise stories that lead to real marketplace change. Tell us in your cover letter why you're the right person for this job.

This is a hybrid position, based in our Yonkers headquarters. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.  

HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT

The stories you report on will champion consumers’ interests and change people’s lives. Specifically, you will:

• Closely follow issues related to CR’s top issues including food and product safety, chemical safety, and pocketbook challenges, conferring regularly and closely with CR’s subject matter and policy experts to identify topics and angles of investigation.
• Use a variety of research methods, such as public records, databases, and interviews in your investigative work.
• Work closely with CR’s Food and Product Safety, Data, Consumer Impact, Survey, and Testing teams to develop innovative ways to investigate and present this work.
• Produce three to five major investigations per year, while turning around shorter articles as news and developments warrant.
• Work with CR’s Video, Social Media, and Design teams to create innovative, compelling graphic and data presentations.
• Possibly do media or public appearances related to investigations.
• Possibly edit the work of other content creators. 

ABOUT YOU

You’ll Be Highly Rated If:

• You have impressive investigative journalism skills and experience. You have at least five years of reporting in a senior editorial role within an advocacy organization or media outlet.
• You’ve earned a related degree. Bachelor's Degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. 
• You know the tools of the trade. You’re an expert or at least comfortable with journalism tools, including filing FOIAs, reviewing lawsuits, parsing scientific studies, and analyzing online databases.
• You follow the data. You are proficient in digital forensic and open-source intelligence tools to extract and analyze data from digital sources. 
• You take a reader-first approach. You can convert technical insights and data into informative, well-written, easy-to-understand content. 
• 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 familiar with digital publishing platforms. You are comfortable with WordPress and Google Docs, with the ability to learn other platforms as needed.

You'll Be One of Our Top Picks If:

• You’ve gone the extra mile. It’s a plus if you’ve earned your Master’s Degree.
• You are digitally and socially savvy. You understand SEO best practices and principles and are active on social media.  
• 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're deadline driven. You’re capable of turning around engaging, well-written stories quickly while balancing competing demands and priorities.
• 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 enjoy collaboration. You’re open to working alongside CR colleagues—editors, fact-checkers, testers, consumer advocates, and  designers—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 on social media, in podcasts, and in press appearances. 

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 $140K-$155K. This posted range is reflective of the NY/CA market. 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.