Director, Strategic Initiatives

WHO WE ARE

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to a fair and just marketplace for all. CR is known for our rigorous testing and trusted ratings on thousands of products and services.  We report extensively on consumer trends and challenges, and survey millions of people in the U.S. each year. We leverage our evidence-based approach to advocate for consumer rights, working with policymakers and companies to find solutions for safer products and fair practices. 

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

CR’s Enterprise & Strategy team is the driving force behind our organization. This team leads our strategic vision and planning, overseeing initiatives that enhance our operational effectiveness, drive impact for consumers, improve the marketplace, and position CR for long term success. 

As Director, Strategic Initiatives, you’ll help CR chart new territory — developing, testing, and scaling business opportunities that extend our mission and create new sources of value. This role is ideal for someone who is entrepreneurial and thrives in ambiguity, moves quickly from concept to action, and brings commercial instincts with purpose-driven ambition.

This is a highly visible, hands-on role that will work closely with senior leaders across CR to shape our growth portfolio, incubate new models, and unlock opportunities that strengthen both our mission and business. You’ll combine big-picture thinking with a roll-up-your-sleeves approach to get new ideas off the ground.

This position is hybrid.  Candidates should reside within 75 miles of Yonkers, NY. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

How You’ll Make An Impact

You’ll lead the exploration and development of new business opportunities while advancing strategic initiatives that build CR’s future capabilities. On a regular basis, you may:

• Identify, assess, and develop new business opportunities — including ventures, partnerships, and business models that expand CR’s reach, impact, and sustainability.
• Design and run business experiments to test assumptions, validate demand, and determine paths to scale.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to turn strategy into execution, connecting big ideas to operating models, pilots, and measurable outcomes.
• Develop business cases, investment proposals, and go-to-market plans for executive and Board review.
• Collaborate with external partners, consultants, and advisors to accelerate progress in high-potential opportunity areas.
• Lead major cross-functional initiatives that modernize CR’s business and explore adjacent and transformational growth spaces.
• Translate strategic direction into actionable plans, milestones, and execution frameworks to ensure focus and follow-through.
• Contribute to building CR’s internal capabilities in innovation, business design, and strategic execution by developing shared tools, processes, and practices.

ABOUT YOU:

You’ll Be Highly Rated If You:

• Have 10+ years of experience in business building, growth strategy, or operations — whether from consulting, corporate innovation, nonprofit or entrepreneurial settings.
• Possess a strong analytical toolkit including detailed financial modeling and strategic frameworks and the ability to translate these into clear, compelling executive-level materials and decision-making tools.
• Combine strategic thinking with a bias for action — you thrive in ambiguity, work autonomously, and turn ideas into tangible results.
• Understand business models and market dynamics — how value is created, captured, and scaled.
• Have a track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from concept through execution.
• Communicate with clarity and influence, producing materials that move executive and Board-level decisions forward.
• Have the ability to navigate ambiguity, influence without authority, and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders.

You’ll Be One Of Our Top Picks If You:

• Bring partnership-building and/or B2B experience, ideally in a growth or innovation context.
• Have built or scaled a new business line, product, or venture inside an established organization.
• Are energized by mission-driven work and know how to align social impact with commercial sustainability.

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 informed by location, as well as the candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. It is expected that most qualified candidates will fall near the middle of the posted salary range. We have three locations: Yonkers, NY, Washington, DC and Colchester, CT. We are registered to do business in and can only hire from the following states and federal district: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Salary ranges

• NY/California: $200K-$225K annually
• DMW/Massachusetts: $190-$215K annually
• Colchester, CT and additional approved CR locations:  $165K-$190K

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.