Product and Business Development Architect

Position Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) invites applications for a Product and Business Development Architect who will be responsible for driving the development, delivery, and business growth of instructional technology products and services. This individual will oversee the product life cycle, ensure alignment with organizational goals, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, scalable, and impactful solutions. Additionally, they will identify new market opportunities, establish strategic partnerships, and ensure the financial and operational success of the organization's instructional technology initiatives along with product and service advancements.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Job Responsibilities

Systems Development, and Management for Products and Services (40%)

• Responsible for the operation, customization and optimization of the internal- and external-facing applications that function together for the delivery of CAREI products and services. These include a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, an online ordering system, product website development, and a Learning Management System (LMS).
• Establish and maintain digital platforms that have optimized user experience, delivering accessible, user-friendly and engaging experiences for all types of users interacting with them.
• Oversee designing and implementing scalable data systems that support decision-making, reporting and analytics.
• Routinely audit key product functions and practices that were developed out of convenience into scalable tools that support business growth and possible acquisition.
• Support the entire product lifecycle, including ideation, development, launch, and ongoing improvement.
• Collaborate with technical teams to deliver high-quality, user-centric IT products and solutions.
• Drive innovation and scalability to address customer needs and improve product performance.
  
  

Product Development and Implementation (40%)

• Improve efficiency of customer support and implementation to simplify the work of support staff, create consistent use of product features, and increase communication with customers to understand their needs and remove barriers to implementation.
• Collaborate with the CEHD Educational Technology Innovations (ETI) engineering team to prioritize CAREI IT product development and resolve barriers to the work.
• Maximize the value of product features, develop product road maps, and oversee successful implementation and customer support.
• Explore and integrate new product opportunities and product enhancements in light of emerging technologies.

Oversee Business Development Opportunities (20%)

• Oversee customer contacts and centralize key customer information.
• Track business development activities from CAREI and in the field.
• Collaborate with product teams and the center-wide leadership team to plan strategy for business growth.
• Coordinate between business development and product to ensure both groups are in sync.
• Contribute to the growth of CAREI products and services through identifying opportunities for growth through partnerships and direct sales and create a cohesive plan to grow revenue sustainably and services through identifying opportunities for growth through partnerships and direct sales, and create a cohesive plan to grow revenue sustainably.
  

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus eight (8) years of professional experience in product development, product management, business development or a related field, or a master's degree plus at least six (6) years of related professional experience.
• Strong understanding of instructional technology systems development, including CRM systems, Learning Management Systems (LMS), online ordering systems, and data architecture.
• Experience in business development, customer engagement, and partnership building. Direct experience with optimizing operations, improving efficiency, and resolving challenges in product development and implementation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of best practices in product lifecycle management, from ideation to market deployment. Experience with product management/development in a educational or search setting
• Experience in cloud-based and scalable software development.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in facilitating collaboration between technical teams, business units, and leadership teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring instructional technology professionals or cross functional teams.

Department Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) is a well-established college-wide center that serves as the link between research and practice in Minnesota schools PreK-16 and other agencies interested in applied educational and social science research. CAREI's mission is to maximize wellbeing in schools, families, and communities. Our vision is to become the premier hub for making research accessible and actionable to ensure equitable outcomes.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $121,000-$130,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).