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.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Consumer Insights and, in collaboration with members of the broader Data Insights & Strategic Analytics department, will play a pivotal role in developing a deep understanding of media audiences and their perceptions and attitudes towards Versant portfolio brands.

The Senior Manager will lead research studies from design through execution in support of brand and audience strategy, including but not limited to: a portfolio-wide brand tracking study, audience segmentations, market sizing, competitive benchmarking, and cross-platform brand research.

The ideal candidate for this role is someone who loves tackling tough questions, is passionate about consumer insights and the evolving media industry and has a talent for synthesizing multiple data sources into clear and persuasive stories with actionable insights – in order to engage, influence, and inspire cross-functional stakeholders at various levels.

Responsibilities:

• Lead primary research efforts from strategy through execution to generate actionable brand & audience insights across the portfolio
• Design and execute quantitative and qualitative studies from start to finish, partnering with internal collaborators and external vendors as needed to elevate insights into strategic learnings driving brand and business growth
• Play a key role in managing a complex, portfolio-wide brand tracking study, with a focus on interpreting results, translating and presenting findings to stakeholders, and managing operational efforts  
• Leverage syndicated data sources to add additional context to primary research findings and behavioral data
• Develop and present story-driven, executive-friendly presentations tailored to individual stakeholders and teams
• Help support overall needs and goals of the Consumer Insights and broader Data Insights & Strategic Analytics team, including managing a Senior Analyst, mentoring other junior team members, and helping to elevate the research team’s value, thought leadership, and influence within the organization
• Assist with team project management and administrative duties, from helping with the budget/invoice process to maintaining a research schedule

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree - preferably in business, communications, marketing, psychology, social sciences, or a related field
• 5-10 years of experience in media or market research, including working for a client-side company or market research supplier
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative research, including survey design, sampling plans, and analysis, as well as qualitative research, including focus groups, IDIs, and community panels
• Ability to learn various tools and interfaces for conducting research (programming surveys, manipulating data) and visualizing data and research results
• Ability to work autonomously and under pressure to keep projects moving forward
• Attention to detail, with the ability to maintain a strategic perspective
• Ability to synthesize key insights from multiple sources (primary and secondary) and succinctly share information for strategic decisions
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills to create visually compelling presentations that bring data and consumers to life
• Excellent verbal communication skills with an ability to adapt communications and level of necessary details to the audience
• Capable project manager, able to oversee projects from inception to completion, with the ability to balance competing priorities
• Knowledge and passion for TV and digital media, including entertainment, sports, and/or news

Desired Characteristics:

• Experience supporting ongoing brand tracking programs, preferably across many brands and categories  
• Familiarity using AI-assisted tools and other emerging technologies to streamline and improve research processes, workflows, and deliverables 
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization
• Understanding of entertainment industry trends and how they affect consumer behavior across multiple platforms
• Strong decision-making skills and adaptability to changing circumstances
• A knack for listening to stakeholder questions, adjusting research approaches and outcomes to adapt to business needs, and applying a balance of rigor and speed to move projects forward

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 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 discounts and perks.

Salary range: $100,000-$125,000 (bonus eligible)

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media'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 [email protected].

VERSANT Media 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.

VERSANT Media is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at VERSANT via-email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from VERSANT's Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by VERSANT as a result of the referral or through other means.