Ux Researcher

Company Description VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.

As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.

VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.

Job Description As a UX Researcher you will join our Data, Insights and Strategic Analytics team and will drive user research initiatives across our News digital consumer on our products and platforms including CNBC, MS NOW, and E! News.  This person will collaborate with cross functional partners across the product, design, marketing research, and analytics teams. Through research this person will generate actionable insights that will help teams validate and evaluate features as well as the foundational research that will help define the future of our products.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects from inception to completion (including study design, participant recruitment, data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings for generative and evaluative research studies on multiple aspects of News products and experiences
• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and communicate them independently and effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Analysts to inform product direction and measure impact.
• Advocate for the user at every stage of product development and champion a culture of empathy and evidence-based decision-making.
• Contribute to the strategic vision for UX across the company, particularly as it relates to media consumption, personalization, accessibility, and cross-platform engagement.
• Have accountability for the quality of your research deliverables, ensuring a high bar for execution throughout the research process
• Own and drive your user research roadmap, ensuring stakeholder and product needs are met and well aligned to achieve organizational KPIs and goals
• Connect with other Research colleagues across Versant to share insights as well as lessons learned in conducting research
• Staying on top of industry trends and emerging technologies, continuously evolving our research methodologies and approaches

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HCDE, Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related field  3+ years professional experience of conducting UX research, that has influenced product decisions though research insights in digital consumer and enterprise products
• A strong research portfolio demonstrating past work experience and deliverables.
• Experience conducting both foundational and tactical research employing variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods — including surveys, moderated and unmoderated usability studies, diary studies, digital ethnographies, card sorting exercises, focus groups, etc.
• Deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods, including when and how to apply them during the product development lifecycle
• Broad familiarity with behavioral user analytics and how to incorporate them into UX research efforts   Excellent data storytelling and presentation skills   Experience collaborating with and influencing senior stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters’s degree in HCDE, Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related field
• Track record of leading UX research within a fast-paced, agile product environment.
• Strong quantitative data analysis and statistical skills
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively across different audiences and varying levels of the organization
• Experience working with executive leadership (i.e., Senior Director level and above)
• Experience managing projects and working in a large, matrixed organization Interest in or familiarity with News, either through personal experience or professional research, is a plus

Additional Information Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week. Subject to change based on Manager discussion or business need. This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits and perks. Salary range: $100,000 - $130,000 (bonus eligible)

Additional Information As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to candidateaccessibility@versantmedia.com.

VERSANT is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.