APH Open Position: Product Manager, Braille Technology

From APH.org

We know that access to the right tools and information at the right time can change lives. At APH, our job is to break down barriers and empower students, families, adults, and educators, creating a future that belongs to everyone.

Located in Louisville KY, we manufacture and distribute products and services for people who are blind or low vision, including braille large type books and educational aids.

We’re not just looking forward to an accessible future – we’re making it happen every day.  And, with the latest technology, we think the future has never been brighter for people who are blind or have vision loss.  Come join us.

Product Manager – Braile Technology

Reporting to the Director of Product Development, this position is responsible for product management, planning, and execution throughout product lifecycles, including: gathering and prioritizing product and customer requirements, defining the product vision and scope, and working closely with all stakeholders to ensure customers’ problems are solved and business goals are met.  It is also responsible for leading projects that are unique, in terms of how they are managed and brought to market, keeping inclusive design at the core of what they do.

Location:

This position is based in Louisville, Kentucky and allows for a hybrid work schedule; it may be remote for those who live outside of the Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan region.

Compensation and Benefits

$62,100.00/year – $78,000.00/year | Salary is negotiable depending on experience.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance covered at 80% for employees – plans include family planning benefits
• HSA Plan and FSA Plan – both include company contribution!
• Competitive Dental and Vision Plans
• Health and Well-being initiatives
• 4 weeks PTO
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Plans with company match and immediate vesting
• Company provided Short Term Disability
• Basic Life Insurance at no cost to employees
• Voluntary Life Insurance with Accidental Death and Disability
• Educational Assistance and Professional Development Opportunities
• Optional Hybrid Work Schedule for approved positions only
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer

Essentail Duties

• Define product vision, strategy, and road maps.  Define the product scope, develop and adhere to project timelines, and manage the scope of projects and development costs.
• Successfully manage products throughout the products’ lifecycles, making informed decisions on when to refresh and/or retire products.
• Act as product’s champion, both internally and externally, serving as primary media contact, lead for training activities, as well as primary contact for major partners, such as Microsoft.
• Engage with the field, including partner vendors, to balance and leverage partnership opportunities, with the goal of providing innovative and inclusive new products.
• Solicit product feedback and ideas from customers and experts using various product research methods using “Voice of Customer” principles.
• Track mainstream market trends, and analyze competition to ensure APH’s products are competitive, innovative, and for the classroom and beyond.
• Analyze the competitive landscape, provide feedback to help in developing and maintaining product roadmaps, and define changing user scenarios.
• Analyze ongoing sales information and trends to inform product strategy both nationally and internationally.
• Ensure all products are within safety and compliance guidelines set by APH.
• Write clear product use cases, working collaboratively across APH and partner resources to ensure those use cases are understood and developed into specifications according to user needs.
• Represent APH at conferences through attendance, presentations, webinars, etc.…
• Work with international partners and distribution networks to increase APH’s brand and product recognition globally.
• Work with our fundraising team to help identify potential sources of funding.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications – Experience – Training

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as writing, communication, education, assistive technology, or product management.
• 3+ years’ experience in developing specialized products.
• Proven experience in product development, research, or related role, preferably in the field of educational products for blind or low vision individuals.

A combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted when competency in the role is demonstrated. Successful performance on pre-employment tests is required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for those who are able to perform the essential duties of the job.

Specialized Skills and Knowlege

• Solid understanding of project management methodologies.
• Solid understanding of basic sales and marketing concepts.
• Demonstrated success in defining and launching products that meet and exceed business expectations.
• Have a passion for creating high quality, innovative, and inclusive products and experiences.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiar with modern UX design principles.
• Knowledgeable of basic educational principles and concepts.
• Experience in leading teams, including being able to communicate, compromise, and work across departmental lines while ensuring successful completion of projects.
• Experience with product development and familiarity with the stage-gate process.
• Able to demonstrate a passion for providing innovative and inclusive products to the blind and visually impaired on a global scale.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• A solid understanding of international business a plus.

How to Apply

Internal Candidates: APH employees may apply for open positions after completing six (6) months of active service in their current position in a satisfactory manner and notifying your immediate supervisor.

Login to Paycom, click on “Job Opportunities” under “Company Information”, and scroll to find the position.  If you have trouble accessing the application through Paycom, please contact Ryan Ward at rward@aph.org.

External Candidates: Apply here.

APH IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.
An offer of employment is conditional upon successfully passing a drug screening test.