Director of Product

The New Jersey Innovation Authority

The New Jersey Innovation Authority (NJIA) is looking for diverse and experienced team members to deploy world-class innovative and digital services that solve pressing public interest challenges for the people of New Jersey. Our work spans numerous issue and policy areas, and is focused on making an impact in the lives of the New Jerseyans that we serve. Our work has decreased the amount of time it takes to apply for Unemployment Insurance, made it easier to start, operate, and grow a business in the Garden State, and connected millions of New Jerseyans to government programs, services, and benefits.

Our team members wear many hats, contributing to both the execution of core projects and the evolution of NJIA. We use data and modern research, design, and development methods to inform our decision making, and we collaborate with stakeholders within and outside of government to understand and solve challenges. To learn more about NJIA read our impact report and visit our About Us page.

We are hiring a Director of Product to co-lead our product management team and advance the product management practice within the office. This role focuses on empowering product managers to lead their teams effectively, ensuring that our solutions deliver value to New Jersey residents and business owners. You will champion product management excellence, oversee project staffing, and mentor a diverse and talented team, while also contributing to project work. Working closely with directors in product design, engineering, and content design you will foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, driving user impact and continuous improvement in our work.

We are seeking candidates with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in product management, along with at least 2 years of experience in people management. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned product manager adept at guiding end-to-end development, product planning, and execution, contributing to both product practice development and broader leadership and management functions within the office.

This role will report to the Chief Innovation Officer, co-lead the product team with the current director of product, and work closely with initiative leads and other team members across the office. Responsibilities may include:

• Collaborate closely with their co-director of product to support the health of the organization-wide product practice.
• Establish and promote best practices & standards, facilitate knowledge sharing, and maintain a high level of product excellence in our organization.
• Contribute to hiring and onboarding new product managers.

• Mentor and coach product managers, providing structure, guidance, and support for their professional growth and development.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to offer feedback, assist with project challenges, ensure alignment with organizational goals, and provide accountability for professional development goals.

• Execute additional duties and responsibilities to advance the New Jersey Innovation Authority’s mission and work.

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.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer

We are deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness and seek to create a pluralistic community for all. We strongly encourage people of color, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, women, LGBTQI+ people, those with disabilities, and Veterans to apply. We are committed to building a team that is reflective of New Jersey’s incredible diversity.

We do not discriminate against any candidate because of color, race, age, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, membership in an employee organization, pregnancy, marital status, status as a parent, ancestry, national origin, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, retaliation, or other non-merit based factors.

Eligibility

You must be authorized to work in the United States. Candidates may be required to pass a background check and complete additional steps as part of the application and onboarding process. You will be considered an “at-will” employee, meaning both employer and employee have the right to terminate employment with or without cause or notice.