Director, Strategic Initiatives

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is an independent nonprofit dedicated to ensuring a fair and just marketplace for consumers. Known for rigorous testing and trusted ratings, the organization reports on consumer trends and challenges, surveying millions annually. It works with policymakers and businesses to promote safer products and equitable practices.

Employees receive comprehensive medical benefits from day one, including behavioral health and family planning support, alongside a competitive 401K match.

Role Overview

The Enterprise & Strategy team at Consumer Reports is central to shaping the organization's strategic direction and operational effectiveness. As Director, Strategic Initiatives, you will pioneer new business ventures that expand CR's mission impact and financial sustainability. This position calls for a proactive, entrepreneurial leader comfortable with ambiguity, quick in translating ideas into action, and adept at combining commercial insight with purpose-driven objectives.

This senior role requires close collaboration with executive leadership to drive the growth portfolio, incubate innovative business models, and unlock new mission-aligned opportunities. The position supports hybrid work but requires residence within 75 miles of Yonkers, NY. Visa sponsorship or relocation assistance is unavailable.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess new business ventures, partnerships, and models that extend CR's consumer reach and sustainability.
• Design and execute experiments to validate market demand and scalability of innovative ideas.
• Work cross-functionally to translate strategic concepts into operational pilot programs with measurable outcomes.
• Prepare business cases, investment requests, and market entry strategies for senior management and board review.
• Engage external partners and experts to accelerate advancement in promising opportunity areas.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives focused on modernizing CR's business and exploring transformative growth sectors.
• Develop actionable strategic plans with clear milestones and execution frameworks to maintain organizational focus.
• Enhance CR's innovation capabilities by creating shared tools and processes supporting business design and strategy execution.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience in business growth, strategy, or operations, including consulting, corporate innovation, social sector, or entrepreneurial roles.
• Strong analytical proficiency, including advanced financial modeling and strategic frameworks to support executive-level decision making.
• A strategic thinker who also acts decisively, capable of thriving in ambiguity and driving autonomous results.
• Deep understanding of value creation, market dynamics, and scaling business models.
• Proven success leading complex, cross-functional projects from idea to implementation.
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to influence at executive and board levels.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, build consensus without direct authority, and align diverse stakeholders.
• Preferred: Partnership development or B2B experience related to growth innovation.
• Preferred: Experience launching or scaling new business lines or products within established organizations.
• Motivated by mission-driven work that combines social impact with commercial sustainability.

Compensation and Location

Consumer Reports values transparency and equitable pay, offering competitive salaries adjusted for location and candidate qualifications.

• New York and California: $200,000 to $225,000 annually
• Washington DC Metro Area and Massachusetts: $190,000 to $215,000 annually
• Colchester, CT and other approved locations: $165,000 to $190,000 annually

CR only hires candidates residing in select states and Washington, DC. Equal opportunity employment principles apply, with accommodations provided during the application process as needed.