Head of Product Innovation

The New Jersey Innovation Authority
The New Jersey Innovation Authority (NJIA) is looking for diverse and experienced team members to deploy world-class innovative and digital services that solve pressing public interest challenges for the people of New Jersey. Our work spans numerous issue and policy areas, and is focused on making an impact in the lives of the New Jerseyans that we serve. Our team members wear many hats, contributing to both the execution of core projects and the evolution of NJIA. We use data and modern research, design, and development methods to inform our decision making, and we collaborate with stakeholders within and outside of government to understand and solve challenges. We are seeking product managers with at least 5 years of experience leading cross-functional teams using data-driven decision making, equitable human-centered design, agile methodologies, and modern practices. You should have demonstrable success solving complex and highly-ambiguous problems in bureaucratic settings, yet preserve an agile and adaptive approach to this role. We're looking for self-starters who are skilled at driving projects forward while communicating and collaborating closely with the team. This position will report to the Product Director and collaborate closely with their Initiative Director to align their team's work with the broader Resident Experience or Business Experience portfolio strategy. Lead end-to-end product and project management activities to enable the delivery of modern solutions that meet the needs of users.
Champion and advocate for all end users of our solutions, ensuring equity, diversity, and accessibility needs are considered from the outset.
Lead agile ceremonies including backlog grooming, sprint planning, and team retrospectives to support iterative design and delivery goals.
Establishing or refining the project environment necessary to operate as a high performing cross-functional team in partnership with diverse stakeholders:
Support team members by helping them clear any challenges they may encounter.
Drive open communication regarding the project with the public (e.g., blog posts).
Take part in office-wide initiatives to enable collaboration and support across projects.
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience leading the development of multiple digital products or services, or leading the development of multiple features in large products; Experience facilitating the delivery and iteration of digital services by conducting rapid evidence reviews, research, and field scans and effectively analyzing qualitative and quantitative user data.
Dedicated to advancing our mission and public service, with a strong commitment to accessibility and fostering a more inclusive society.

If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid leave, and competitive retirement plan options, as well as other optional fringe benefits.

We are deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness and seek to create a pluralistic community for all. We strongly encourage people of color, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, women, LGBTQI+ people, those with disabilities, and Veterans to apply. We are committed to building a team that is reflective of New Jersey's incredible diversity.
We do not discriminate against any candidate because of color, race, age, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, membership in an employee organization, pregnancy, marital status, status as a parent, ancestry, national origin, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, retaliation, or other non-merit based factors.
Candidates may be required to pass a background check and complete additional steps as part of the application and onboarding process.