Associate Director, IT Products & Business Relations

• IT product strategy aligned to organizational priorities and service model
• A clear, maintained product roadmap that balances new work with operational stability
• Product-related relationships across the organization, ensuring needs are understood and reflected in decisions
• The performance and development of the Product Management team

• How to connect technology decisions to business outcomes
• Practical roadmapping and prioritization approaches
• How to build business cases and communicate product direction clearly

• How NYPL's strategic plan and organizational priorities should shape the IT product portfolio
• Where the current practice has gaps and what improvements would have the most impact
• How needs across the organization are evolving, and what that means for IT products and service delivery

• The consistency of how product management is practiced across teams
• The feedback loops between end users, stakeholders, and the product team
• How IT communicates its work and value across the organization

• Complete an assessment of the current product portfolio, team structure, roadmap status, and key stakeholder relationships
• Build rapport with direct reports, technology leads, and business partners across the Library
• Identify early priorities and any areas needing immediate attention

• Develop a clear point of view on the state of the practice and share recommendations with leadership
• Establish or refine roadmapping processes that connect product priorities to organizational strategy
• Be actively engaged with stakeholders across the Library

• Own and communicate a multi-year product roadmap aligned to NYPL's strategic goals
• Operate as a trusted partner to Library business units, with structured channels for ongoing engagement
• Lead the team with clear direction, measurable goals, and a consistent operating rhythm

• Lead and develop the Product Management team, setting clear expectations and supporting professional growth
• Define and maintain a product strategy aligned to NYPL's organizational goals, IT's operating model, and the needs of Library staff and patrons
• Own multi-year roadmapping efforts across the IT product portfolio, facilitating cross-functional alignment and transparent prioritization
• Lead engagement for the IT product portfolio, driving partnerships across the organization to shape direction, selection, and priorities
• Partner with Infrastructure, Operations & Cybersecurity to ensure alignment between product and engineering
• Maintain a requirements and estimation process that supports accurate scoping and sound investment decisions
• Establish feedback mechanisms, including demos, retrospectives, and stakeholder reviews, that keep the roadmap responsive to real user needs
• Define and track KPIs and measures of success for the product portfolio, using data to inform decisions and report value to leadership
• Monitor technology trends and assess their relevance to the product management strategy
• Represent product management and business relations in cross-departmental planning and governance conversations
• Perform other related duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in technology, business, or a related field

• 10 years of experience in IT or technology product management, with demonstrated growth in scope and responsibility
• 5-7 years leading and managing product or technology teams
• Proven experience owning a product roadmap and aligning it to organizational strategy in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
• Experience managing relationships or serving as a liaison between IT and the departments it supports

• Working knowledge of agile and product management methodologies
• Ability to think strategically and connect technology decisions to business outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to and work with senior leadership
• Ability to drive alignment across teams with competing priorities
• Experience building or improving a product management practice
• Comfort working with data and using KPIs to evaluate product performance

• Directly manages the Product Management team
• Responsible for hiring, performance management, and career development of direct reports

More...

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems 
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

• Office Setting

• Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM, Hybrid Schedule 3 days onsite, 2 days remote
• Evenings & weekends as necessary