Technology Product Manager - Aspen Publishing

Aspen Publishing is seeking a Technology Product Manager to be a part of an exciting, growing Company. Preference will be given to Boston based candidates who will work in our Burlington, MA, office with an optional hybrid office/work-from home schedule; however, we will consider remote work for the right candidate. You will focus on creating the digital experience for the new JD-Next program. You will work closely with the digital, editorial, marketing, sales, and other internal teams, as well as external vendors and freelancers as you play a key role in our product development cycle.
TITLE: Technology Product Manager
REPORTS TO: VP, Digital Learning & Engagement
DEPARTMENT: Digital Learning & Engagement
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
Location: Burlington, MA (preferred)/Remote

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for the customer experience and development of new digital educational products, with a focus on developing the JD-Next experience. This role will engage directly with customers, technologists, and other Aspen stakeholders and partners to create the digital experience for online courses and high stakes tests. This position will be a hands-on member of the digital team and will be accountable for both strategic and tactical product management duties.

In this role, the Technology Product Manager is responsible for the development of prototypes, high-level business requirements, and prioritization of work performed in the development cycle. During a release cycle, the Technical Product Manager will address questions in scope, behavior, and intent of requirements, and will work collaboratively with the team to change/pivot approaches as necessary in order to meet release expectations.

Key Responsibilities
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Deliver user stories, system requirements, prototypes, flow charts, business cases and functional specifications for new products or for enhancing existing products/websites
• Work with students, faculty, and other customers to assess the vision, requirements, design, and user experience at various stages of the development lifecycle through interviews, focus groups, or other qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Collaborate with the digital team and other stakeholders to prioritize and coordinate the work performed for each development cycle; work closely with business and technical teams to ensure that any/all issues are resolved in a timely manner and that the goals of scope, budget and timeframes are met
• Serve as an internal champion for assigned products/websites; present functionality to internal and external stakeholders as needed
• Devise ideas for new digital learning experiences, taking advantage of emerging technologies
• Identify emerging trends in higher education and market opportunities
• Research and track competitive products and services
• Ensure that product/website design is consistent with Aspen (and industry) standards
• Develop or assist with project plans, milestones, and metrics reports
• Provide timely updates on activities and progress against plans
• Assist with user acceptance testing and defect tracking              

• Support marketing efforts for new and existing digital products/websites through collaborations with the marketing team

• Define and communicate the value proposition for use in marketing and customer communications
• Provide context for use and adoption of products/websites
• Create educational and customer engagement materials as needed
• Update course content and notifications in learning management system as needed

• Support sales, customer service, and course instructor/assistant efforts for new and existing products/websites/courses

• Engage customers and gather feedback through informal and formal customer interactions
• Participate in launches and training
• Provide training materials and documentation

• Performs other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree plus 3-5 years related experience, preferably in Technology Product Management
• Experience in educational technology, higher education, high stakes testing, or online learning industries preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects under strict deadlines  
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan and complete work on tight deadlines and budgets; ability to work in an atmosphere of multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with individuals at all levels of the organization and interact effectively with professional and technical staff, outside prospects, customers, salespersons, and third-party partners
• Prototyping/wireframing skills preferred
• Experience with agile development framework preferred
• Strong knowledge of accessibility and WCAG 2.1 preferred
• Comfortable and conversant with technology, including content management systems, WYSIWYG editors, basic HTML editors, and project management software
• Experience with learning management systems preferred
• Analyzing issues and providing solutions
• Liaising between internal and external groups
• Vendor management
• Troubleshooting and problem solving
• Willing to travel domestically occasionally
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, English required
• Excellent organization, planning, and presentation skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast paced, changing environment
• Demonstrated ability in working independently and as part of a team

• Normal Office Environment
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to work on computer for extended periods of time
• Ability to listen and speak carefully while interacting with others
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally

ABOUT US:Aspen Publishing is a leading provider of educational content and digital learning solutions to law schools in the US and around the world. Aspen provides best-in-class solutions for legal education through authoritative textbooks written by renowned authors and breakthrough products such as Connected eBooks, Connected Quizzing, and PracticePerfect.
In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a wide array of benefits including your choice of health and dental plans, generous paid time off and holidays, 401k with employer match, and an array of voluntary programs to cover all of life’s eventualities from accidents; to critical illness; to pet insurance.
EOE disability/veteran.

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