The Sr. Manager, Digital Products leads the product management efforts for the Explorers ‘divlet’ (or ‘pod’) in support of current and future digital and mobile initiatives serving the Business Unit comprised of Explorers, Grants, and Programs at the Society. We build world-class products to serve the entire stakeholder community and lifecycle ranging from newly minted first-time grantees all the way through Explorers in Residence and explores leading the signature programs. These products include the Explorer Directory, mobile apps, community tools for Explorers, a learning management system (LMS) for training of emerging explorers The Sr. Manager is an accomplished, practical, results-driven and customer-focused product manager with a mature approach to defining, building and delivering great digital software products. He/she will lead the product management efforts for the software development team (“pod” or “divlet”) that is dedicated to the Explorer’s Business Unit.
- Lead product development and implementation for Exploration. Work with VP, Digital Products to develop overall strategy and plan. (20%)
- Work closely with the Business Owner for the Explorer’s Business Unit to identify and prioritize business problems that need digital solutions (20%)
- Work closely with the engineering team to define digital solutions (features and functions) that solve the identified business solutions (20%)
- Collaborate with members of the Design/UX group to develop digital user experiences that bring the features to life. Ensure products are developed/optimized for top performance and success. Utilize appropriate processes, workflows, etc. (e.g. Agile, user testing, QA, etc.) to ensure product quality and performance while delivering them on time and on budget (20%)
- Keep up with current trends and best practices in marketplace. (10%)
- Collaborate with extended stakeholder group (finance, legal, marketing, IT) as appropriate (10%)
Responsibility percentages may vary depending on business needs.
Minimum Years and Type of Experience
- 3-5+ years of product management experience leading the development of enterprise-class software products
Knowledge and Skills Required
A proven and seasoned product manager. Someone who thrives at the intersection of business and technology and speaks both the language of business as expressed through product management and the language of technology as expressed through software engineering processes.
- A track record of building and going to market with successful products (and likely a few misses too).
- Technical depth that fosters understanding and respect of world-class engineers.
- Experience working with business owners to develop a deep understanding of customer needs.
- Exceptional skill at clear, concise, and compelling communication.
- Strong analytical background for data-driven rigor in decision-making.
- Strong understanding of product workflow and processes (e.g. Agile, user testing, Q/A, etc.)
- Pro-active self-starter with a “can do” approach to problem solving who thrives with hard challenges and approaches problems with a data-driven mindset
- Follows industry trends, benchmarks, best practices, etc. to ensure we’re ahead of the curve
National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. In addition to a unique and dynamic work environment, National Geographic offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and leave time, a 401(k) plan, and flexible work options. National Geographic is an Equal Opportunity Employer