Senior Product Manager for Web Initiatives

Description

The New York Public Library’s websites are currently visited more than 28 million times a year by nearly 10 million unique users including deeply engaged local patrons (users of our 92 physical sites) and a rapidly growing, global online audience. NYPL seeks a talented, visionary manager to lead the development of its core web and mobile platforms: to drive continuous improvement of the overall NYPL digital user experience, to grow our online audience, and to spur innovation in new strategic directions. NYPL is in the midst of epochal change in which the idea and function of libraries is evolving and the Library’s online presence is evermore central. At the head of a nimble team of developers and designers, and in close collaboration with other departments the Senior Product Manager for Web Initiatives will play a lead role in helping to shape the Library's future: developing new online service models that integrate social networking experiences and user collaboration in ways that enhance the Library’s core resources (e.g. collections, spaces, programs, and staff expertise.). We are looking for someone to bring nontraditional thinking and a passion for NYPL’s public mission to bear on this critical moment in the Library’s history.

External Responsibilities:

• Specifically, the Senior Product Manager of Web Initiatives will:
• Be the CEO for the Library’s website
• Drive NYPL online success via new product development and be responsible for results;
• Execute on a product vision that is aligned with the Library’s strategy that is honed by the Strategy Office through an iterative process with the Library’s  President, Trustees, Senior Management, and other key stakeholders;
• For major web products, own the vision, description, roadmap, requirements, and results;
• Engage with leading colleagues throughout the world to collaborate and maintain a connection to best practices;
• Propose projects and corresponding resource allocation to Senior Management and work closely with the Library’s Development office to secure funding;
• Partner with stakeholders throughout NYPL (e.g. branch, research, ITG, development, finance, marketing, communications and legal) and external vendors for help executing the product plans;
• Interact regularly with patrons and other end-users to maintain an intimate knowledge of product requirements.
• Manage internal and external resources to execute the Library’s digital strategy, including, for example, by:
  • Improving browsing and discovery by networking collections;
  • Integrating personalized recommendations of content and events;
  • Empowering users to actively manage personal collections;
  • Enabling users to connect with each other, discuss areas of interest, and remotely participate in library programming;
  • Allow users to affiliate with the Library;
  • Recognizing contributions to crowdsourcing projects with a credits system;
  • Lead the web team
• Manage and grow the Library’s team of developers and designers;
• Oversee the agile product management framework, sets goals and direction for Web team development cycles;
• Direct periodic code/design sprints with internal and external participants;
• Coordinate development with vendors and other technical partners.
• Incorporating game dynamics to encouraging participation.

External Qualifications:
Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will combine outstanding leadership and communication skills with a deep user experience mindset and strong technical grounding

Also:

• Advanced degree in Web Development, Computer Science, Digital Design, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Experience managing and growing a technical team
• Strong quantitative and analytical abilities with deep understanding of the Internet, search engine, social networking and the best practices of digital libraries.
• Demonstrated experience in designing highly usable web-based interfaces
• Successfully demonstrated experience working with content management systems and interactive sites, including familiarity with database programming, user accounts and sessions
• Demonstrable skills in setting priorities and assigning resources strategically
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and users
• Experience managing budgets and staff
• Passion for doing good by advancing the Library’s mission to Advance knowledge, Inspire Life-long Learning and Strengthen Communities

For more information see: https://jobs-nypl.icims.com/jobs/6902/job