Lead Product Manager (InnovateNJ)
We are seeking product managers with at least 7 years of experience leading cross-functional teams using data-driven decision making, equitable human-centered design, agile methodologies, and modern practices. You should have demonstrable success solving complex and highly-ambiguous problems in bureaucratic settings, yet preserve an agile and adaptive approach to this role. You should be comfortable working in a startup environment where you think independently and operate with a high degree of autonomy. We’re looking for self-starters who are skilled at driving projects forward while communicating and collaborating closely with the team.
In this role you will be embedded directly with a state agency to employ evidence-based, human-centered, and participatory methodologies and co-create solutions alongside agency staff, transferring skills and methodologies. This position reports to NJIA’s Product Director and will be embedded directly with an agency partner. Responsibilities may include:
Delivering solutions that meet the needs of diverse users across New Jersey
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Lead end-to-end product and project management activities to enable the delivery of modern solutions that meet the needs of users.
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Champion and advocate for all end users of our solutions, ensuring equity, diversity, and accessibility needs are considered from the outset.
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Lead agile ceremonies including backlog grooming, sprint planning, and team retrospectives as needed to support iterative design and delivery goals.
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Take problems that may be poorly specified and find the best solutions, including evaluating custom developed vs. SAAS options.
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Identify and engage with external experts and resources that can inform, improve, and accelerate our products.
Establishing or refining the project environment necessary to operate in partnership with diverse stakeholders
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Develop and communicate the vision, strategy, and product roadmap.
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Develop and maintain documentation such as product outlines, briefs, and release plans.
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Manage state requirements in the delivery of products and services.
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Support team members by helping them clear any challenges they may encounter.
Communicating and collaborating with partners to ensure we are enabling their long-term success
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Drive open communication regarding the project with the public (e.g., blog posts).
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Take part in office-wide initiatives to enable collaboration and support across projects.
Do what’s needed for the team
Preferred Technical Experience, Skills and Abilities:
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A minimum of 7 years of professional experience leading the development of multiple digital products or services, or leading the development of multiple features in large products; prior experience in civic technology strongly preferred.
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Demonstrated experience leading organizational change management initiatives with a proven ability to build trusted advisor relationships with executive stakeholders.
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Experience leading teams using modern iterative, user-centered, continuous delivery methodologies.
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Experience creating and managing the product vision based on user research and metrics.
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Proven skill in translating product strategy into detailed requirements and prototypes.
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Experience facilitating the delivery and iteration of digital services by conducting rapid evidence reviews, research, and field scans and effectively analyzing qualitative and quantitative user data.
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Experience scoping and prioritizing technical and design tasks into delivery plans, conducting and supporting regular sprint ceremonies, and facilitating work management and tracking.
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Experience leading products with multiple dependencies requiring joint releases to achieve measurable and demonstrated business objectives.
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Experience leading teams through the adoption of new tools, technologies, or methodologies.
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Proven track record of leading intrapreneurial initiatives that have delivered measurable and significant impact to the organization.
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Skilled in collaborating closely with stakeholders across government to gather their input and enable their success, with experience in reporting progress to them in a clear and concise manner.
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Dedicated to advancing the mission of the New Jersey Innovation Authority and public service, with a strong commitment to accessibility and fostering a more inclusive society.
Term structure
We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. If you have any questions, please contact heather@innovation.nj.gov.
Compensation: Annual salary of $165,994 commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid leave, and competitive retirement plan options, as well as other optional fringe benefits.
Hiring Entity: This role will be hired by InnovateNJ - a fiscally-sponsored partner project of the National Center for Civic Innovation that exists to advance NJIA’s work and impact.