Director of Product, Readers & Learners

OverviewThe New York Public Library has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for over 125 years. Founded in 1895, NYPL is the nation's largest neighborhood public library system and the most used research library in the world. The Library’s portfolio of digital products and platforms is the core linchpin in how our patrons near and far can access information to create new content, support their personal learning and build stronger communities.Reporting to the Senior Director of Product Management and User Experience, the Director of Product, Readers & Learners leads the Library’s digital efforts to modernize the reading experience and support the continued transformation of our libraries into iconic centers of learning. You will lead the patron digital experience as we engage, enable and empower New Yorkers to build a lifelong thriving reading and learning culture. The ideal candidate is a dynamic product leader with a track record of aligning cross-functional teams and partnering with stakeholders to deliver large-scale innovative solutions that improve users’ lives. Successful candidates will help the Library become an exemplar for the ethical and sustainable use of technology in society.We are looking for someone we can count on to:Own:The product strategy and development for the digital Readers & Learners portfolioThe development of product plans, roadmaps, and KPIs and OKRsThe “voice of the customer” to ensure staff and patron needs are front and centerThe stakeholder management for the Readers & Learners portfolioTeach:Translation of broad business and user needs into non-ambiguous requirements and product user stories for our development teamsBest practices of product development to the entire product discovery and delivery team and ensure everyone is alignedThe product discovery to delivery journeyLearn:About patron needs, latest technologies, and constraints to properly represent them in key decision momentsAbout institutional priorities and requirements that shape the Readers & Learners portfolio strategy and approachImprove:The reach, impact and value delivered to patrons by our Readers & Learners solutionsThe speed at which we iterate and improve on our servicesThe experience that patrons have accessing digital content and attending eventsSome expectations for this role are that within:1 month:Understand the functional structure and core mission of NYPL & DigitalUnderstand the product vision and strategy for the Readers & Learners portfolioEstablish contacts across the Digital Team and begin to develop partnerships with key stakeholdersLearn relevant priorities and digital products this position will shapeMeet key stakeholders from around the institution and relevant outside stakeholders3 months:Understand the competitive landscape, audience priorities, and key factors shaping our Readers & Learners solutionOwn product planning, competitive analysis, roadmapping, partnerships and delivery conversations for assigned portfoliosLead cross-functional team meetings and provide regular reporting to leadershipBe conversant in in-house toolsets (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Airtable)Deepen contacts across the institution to discover business needs and set prioritiesCoordinate strategies to meet the Library’s five-year plan6 months and beyond:Fully own the strategy and vision for the Readers & Learners digital portfolio and advocate for internal partners, patrons, and institutional goalsCommunicate strategy and delivery roadmaps to stakeholdersInitiate and monitor execution of initiatives to enhance the portfolioDevelop deep domain knowledge of user needs and pain pointsCollaborate with Design/UX, Engineering, and Project Management to drive user research and goalsResponsibilitiesOwn and drive the product vision and strategy for the Library’s digital Readers & Learners portfolioUnderstand the digital landscape and the evolving market of reading and learningChampion the needs and experiences of our patrons with empathyGuide product delivery based on learnings, priorities, and portfolio objectivesOversee and shape roadmaps, deliverables, and user researchAnalyze offerings, conduct user research, and identify opportunitiesIdentify and track key metrics to assess performance and improvement opportunitiesSet goals to promote reading and build communityPerform other related duties as necessaryRequired Education and CertificationsBachelor’s degree OR equivalent experience as listedRequired Experience10 years of relevant experience in a digital product or content leadership role7+ years in full lifecycle digital product management, including discovery and development7-8 years of management experienceRequired SkillsAbility to work on deadlines; organized, detail oriented and capable of prioritizationAbility to collaborate with multiple technical and non-technical teamsExcellent interpersonal, presentation, oral and written communication skillsStrong technical and business acumen; ability to analyze digital solutions and translate into impactFamiliarity with leading mobile and e-reading technologies (e.g., Libby, OverDrive, Kindle, Audible)Knowledge of product management frameworks (Lean/Agile); experience writing product documentation and user storiesManagerial/Supervisory ResponsibilitiesSupervise product managers directly and provide cross-functional leadership to the Readers & Learners digital portfolio teamCore ValuesAll team members are expected to embody the NYPL Core Values:Be Helpful to patrons and colleaguesBe Resourceful in solving problemsBe Curious in all aspects of workBe Welcoming and InclusiveRequires work in NYC office a minimum of 3 days a week; this is not a remote opportunityPhysical DutiesSome light lifting/moving may be requiredPre-Placement Physical Required?NoUnion/Non UnionNon-UnionFLSA StatusExemptScheduleMonday - Friday (9-5PM)Hybrid Work Environment; requires work in NYC office a minimum of three days a week - not remoteNote: This job description represents typical responsibilities and may be updated as Library priorities change. #J-18808-Ljbffr