(Remote) Executive Director Of Product Management - Information Technology Services

Description
Information Technology Services at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an Executive Director of Product Management.
About the Opportunity
The Executive Director of Product Management will be responsible for driving the adoption of a Product Management approach to enhance the delivery of enterprise application services across the University. This leadership position requires a strong background in Product Management, strategic planning, and technology implementation. The successful candidate will collaborate with stakeholders to define and execute a Product Management strategy that aligns with the institution's goals and maximizes the value delivered by enterprise applications. The role includes operational oversight for multiple departments involved in the delivery and administration of critical enterprise systems and services.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Product Management strategy for the delivery of enterprise application services, including teaching and learning applications, enterprise business planning applications, research administration applications, systems of engagement (Salesforce and the University's portal), application development and integration services, collaboration platforms (Microsoft 365 and Zoom), ID card system, e-commerce and point-of-sale systems, etc.
• Define Product Management frameworks, processes, and methodologies tailored to the University's needs, fostering a customer-centric and iterative approach to service delivery.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to establish a Product Management roadmap, prioritizing initiatives based on business needs, user requirements, and institutional priorities.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle, including product planning, development, enhancement, and retirement.
• Work closely with stakeholders to define product vision, roadmap, and feature prioritization aligned with business goals and user needs.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration between development teams, business analysts, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure successful product delivery.
• Provide operational oversight for multiple departments involved in the delivery and administration of enterprise application services, including
• Teaching and Learning Applications, Enterprise Business Planning Applications (finance, human capital management, and student), Research Administration Applications, Systems of Engagement (Salesforce and the University's portal), Application Development and Integration services, Technology Planning (IT project management), and Campus Application Administration (Microsoft 365 platform, campus card system, housing management system, e-commerce, etc.).
• Ensure effective coordination, collaboration, and alignment across these departments to deliver high-quality, reliable, and secure enterprise application services.
• Collaborate with academic, administrative, and research departments to understand their technology needs and develop product strategies that align with their requirements.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and institutional leaders, to gather feedback, prioritize features, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Engage with external vendors, industry partners, and peer institutions to stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in Product Management.
• Monitor product performance, usage metrics, and user feedback to continuously evaluate and optimize the value delivered by enterprise application services.
• Identify opportunities for improvement, innovation, and service enhancements to enhance user experience, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Develop and implement strategies to measure and demonstrate the value and impact of Product Management initiatives to stakeholders.
• Lead a team of Product managers and other professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure seamless coordination and integration of Product Management activities across multiple teams, including development teams, quality assurance, user experience, and project management.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training, education, and experience in a relevant field; a graduate degree is preferred.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of combined experience in the following:
  • Practical, on-the-job experience delivering enterprise application services. Strong preference for individuals with experience in higher education or Information Technology.
  • Experience in a strategic leadership role, preferably in IT or higher education.
  • Experience successfully implementing Product Management methodologies, frameworks, and strategies preferably a complex organizational setting, preferably higher education.
  • Experience developing and executing strategic initiatives that support an organization's IT goals, including experience with the financial planning and budgeting of those initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire confidence and lead through trust, influence, subject-matter expertise, collaboration, and governance. Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams.
• Adaptable, innovative leader with proven ability to establish and deliver a measurable value proposition to departmental leaders, campus partners, and customers within the overall vision for ITS.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and interpersonal and collaborative skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences, including University leadership. Understands how to communicate difficult or sensitive information tactfully and in a timely manner.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills with a demonstrated ability to manage talent and build a high-performing team.
• Ability to understand emerging trends in areas related to the position and make appropriate adjustments to plans and strategies.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale technology projects and initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a focus on innovation and demonstrated track record of measuring the effectiveness of initiatives or services and continuously improving them.
• Proven experience in a strategic leadership role, preferably in an IT department or related industry.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, financial planning, and analysis.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing Product Management methodologies, frameworks, and strategies.
• Strong understanding of enterprise application services and the higher education technology landscape.