Sr. Director, Product Innovation

Basic Function of the Position: The Sr. Director of Product Innovation is responsible for leading the association’s Innovation Team and driving the evaluation and launch of new products and services that diversify the organization’s revenue streams and advance CTA’s mission.This role product leadership, strategic analysis, and organizational design. In addition to evaluating and launching new products, the Sr. Director will establish the frameworks, processes, and decision structures that enable disciplined, evidence-based go/no-go decisions for new products.The Sr. Director will work closely with internal teams, external partners, and senior leadership to identify opportunities, test ideas, and translate validated concepts into scalable offerings.Critical Duties and Responsibilities: Product Evaluation Identify and prioritize new product and service opportunities aligned with CTA’s missionConduct market, member, and stakeholder discovery to validate unmet needsTest willingness to pay, adoption potential, and competitive differentiationGovernance Design, implement, and maintain standardized product evaluation frameworksDefine evaluation criteria, success metrics, and kill thresholdsPrepare evidence-based recommendations to support go/no-go decisions by leadership and the boardEnsure decisions are timely, transparent, and grounded in data Pilots & Launches Lead the design and execution of pilots and proofs of conceptOversee business model development, pricing strategy, and cost analysisTrack pilot performance and iterate based on resultsDefine handoff plans for successful products, including long-term ownershipEstablish governance, funding, and performance expectationsSupport transition to operating teams while retaining advisory oversightTeam Leadership Manage external contractors, consultants, and subject-matter expertsManage the Innovation Team’s budget responsiblyPartner with internal teams, including Market Intelligence, Finance, Legal, and MarketingBuild trust and alignment across a consensus-driven organizationServe as an internal advisor on product strategy and innovation practicesWork Experience: Required: 15+ years of experience in product development, innovation, strategy, or new business creationPreferred: Experience in associations, trade shows, or professional services; Familiarity with membership-based or industry-facing business modelsEducation/Training: Bachelor’s degree in business, economics or management or comparable work-related experience required.MBA or Master’s degree in economics, analytics, or related fields preferred.Experience with Microsoft Office Suites required.Skills/Capabilities/Technical: Demonstrated experience evaluating and launching new products or servicesStrong analytical and business case development skillsExperience designing decision frameworks, evaluation models, or stage-gate processesProven ability to manage ambiguity and make recommendations with incomplete informationExperience managing vendors, consultants, or external partnersExceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentationsBudget and Staff: Responsible for management of Innovation Team budget.