Director Product (Sales)

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning.

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

The Ascend Learning Healthcare Segment leads the way in innovation and solution creation to improve outcomes and deliver results for students, educators, and healthcare workers in the ever-changing field of healthcare. We offer advanced resources that drive nursing success, empower front-line certified allied health workers, help physicians pass boards and stay current, and provide education management tools for medical education programs.

Jones & Bartlett Learning (JBL) uses innovative technology to help educators teach more effectively and students learn more efficiently. Our comprehensive suite of print and digital education solutions is designed to enrich the educational experience and deliver results for secondary, post-secondary and professional education markets.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

We are hiring an experienced, growth-minded Director of Product to join our dynamic team at Ascend Learning with a focus in supporting JBL. As the Director of Product, you will be responsible for driving the strategy, development, and growth of our product portfolio aligned to JBL. This role requires a strong understanding of the healthcare industry, a passion for innovation, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. 

WHERE YOU'LL WORK

This position offers the flexibility of remote work within the continental United States.

HOW YOU'LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Develop and execute the product vision and roadmap for the JBL product portfolio, aligned with the overall company strategy. 
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including customers, sales, marketing, and technology teams, to gather requirements and prioritize feature development based on market needs. 
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify market trends, competitive landscape, and customer pain points, and use this information to inform product strategy and decision-making. 
• Develop business cases for product line investments including new features, extensions, and products.
• Lead cross functional product delivery team (PDT), including business and development stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of product vision and priorities to drive effective cross-function.al execution to create, release, and maintain products.
• Monitor and optimize product performance and financials (including revenue and margins), usage/adoption, to ensure sustainable profitability and growth for the product line. Propose enhancements or adjustments in pricing as needed.
• Define and communicate product requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria to the technology team, and work closely with them throughout the development process to ensure on-time and high-quality product delivery. 
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop go-to-market strategies, positioning, and messaging for new and existing products, and support the sales team in their efforts to drive revenue growth. 
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive products to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation in the associated markets. 

 WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor's degree in business, computer science, or a related field required. MBA preferred or equivalent preferred. 
• 10+ years of experience in product management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. 
• Prior experience working in or leading the development of products and solutions.
• Experience in supporting market entry activities is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of successfully launching and managing complex software products. 
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams. 
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a strong customer-centric mindset. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing business needs. 

BENEFITS

• Flexible and generous paid time off
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) employer matching program
• Parental leave
• Wellness resources
• Charitable matching program
• Hybrid work
• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
• Community outreach groups
• Tuition reimbursement

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

About Ascend Learning

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

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