Technical Product Manager

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Cambridge, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Technical Product Manager at Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of a world-class online learning platform (LXP). This position is designed for a technically proficient, user-focused IT professional who thrives in a collaborative environment. The Technical Product Manager will be responsible for owning, driving, and maintaining multiple technical products within the LXP platform, ensuring that industry-class software development practices and workflows are established and utilized. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about online education and technical innovation, and who value creativity and diverse perspectives in their work. In this position, the Technical Product Manager will possess a sufficient technological understanding to assess feasibility, decide on product design and deployment models, and make informed decisions regarding the technology stack, with support from technical teams as needed. The role requires the ability to simplify complex problems and articulate clear, detailed requirements in an accessible manner for developers, engineers, and business users. The Technical Product Manager will also be responsible for delivering updates on products to all levels of the organization, including senior management, and will embed a deep understanding of the business ecosystem and user behaviors into the products they manage. The Technical Product Manager will create and update internal metrics for their products, including Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), to ensure that the products are scalable and meet the diverse needs of users. This position is part of a high-performing team that values collaboration and openness, and the Technical Product Manager will contribute to fostering this culture within the team and with external partners. Other duties may be assigned as necessary, making this a dynamic and engaging role within HUIT.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive assigned technical product or a portfolio of products, delivering updates on products to all levels of the organization including senior management.
• Possess sufficient technological understanding to assess feasibility, decide on product design and deployment model, and make decisions on the technology stack with the support of technical teams if needed.
• Simplify problems and write clear, detailed requirements in easy-to-understand language for developers, engineers, and business users.
• Embed into products deep understanding of our business ecosystem, business user behaviors, consumer behaviors with a focus on step-change and growth.
• Build products to ensure scalability, incorporating different needs into the roadmap, driving uniformity wherever possible and enabling customization where strategically warranted.
• Create and update internal metrics of your products, including OKRs, KPIs etc.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration and openness within the team and with partners.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience.
• 5+ years in product management, operations, data science/engineering, technology, or strategic consulting.
• Strong experience with product development and a technical background.
• Ability to influence multiple stakeholders without direct authority.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms - e.g., AWS, Azure - and related technologies.
• Experience working in agile methodology.
• Understanding of data science and engineering workflows.

Nice-to-haves

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy Project Management Foundations course (or external equivalent) preferred.
• PMP or other relevant certification and experience preferred, e.g., Scrum Master.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year, 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess, 3 personal days per year, and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits.
• Child and elder/adult care resources including on-campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes, and biking benefits.