Associate Product Manager

Climate Central•Princeton, NJ

1d•$75,000 - $90,000•Remote

About The Position

Climate Central is an independent group of scientists and science translators who research and report the facts about our changing climate and how it affects people’s lives. We use science and tech to generate thousands of local storylines and compelling visuals that make climate change relevant and show what can be done about it. We address climate science, sea level rise, extreme weather, energy, and related topics. We collaborate with journalists, TV meteorologists, and other respected messengers, reaching broad audiences through local voices in the US and 150 nations. Our research and visuals appear in thousands of TV spots and tens of thousands of other news stories each year, and our impact is growing. This is a foundational product manager position reporting to the Director of Product Management, Technology. Product, as a function within the Technology department, is responsible for developing and maintaining various external and internal data tools and feeds in conjunction with the needs of Climate Central’s programs, fundraising staff, and leadership. The person who fills this role will have the chance to develop product management skills working with developers (both in-house and contract), designers (same), scientists, communications & media specialists, and other internal stakeholders; launch products and product features for Climate Central’s trusted-messenger users; and contribute to the generation and communication of scientific knowledge about climate science and climate change. The below reflects the intended set of responsibilities after about 1 year. Depending on background, you may grow into additional responsibility more or less quickly within this role. Note that the fast-changing landscapes of software development (especially as a result of generative artificial intelligence), climate science, and media, means that this role could alternatively look different in a year as a result of Climate Central’s adaptation to this landscape, in ways that can’t currently be predicted. These duties could change, perhaps even at the initiative of this person.

Requirements

Experience with software development processes, particularly web applications and large-data–processing ETLs
Experience with product or project management, including demonstrated track record of leading a project to completion/launch.
Superior organizational and communication skills, including a strong ability to detect and resolve ambiguity and exceptional attention to detail
Ability to empathize with and understand diverse colleagues, users, and stakeholders, including developers, scientists, and media
Leadership, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence—ability and desire to relate to, motivate. and inspire others
Commitment to Climate Central’s mission

Nice To Haves

Proactivity—willingness to take action to identify and address needs and problems, rather than waiting to be told what to do
Quick detail-to-big-picture switching—ability to zoom into small details and zoom out to higher levels of abstraction, in areas of software, UX, strategy, and processes.
Desire and ability to learn quickly
Flexibility and adaptability—able to switch between and manage many different types of tasks, conversations, and activities
Experience or familiarity with Agile software development processes and methodologies
SQL, Python, JavaScript, HTML, or any other programming languages or experience, including AI-assisted programming
Experience with qualitative or quantitative user research methodologies
Scientific background or demonstrated ability to learn scientific concepts
Clear and structured thinking, along with creativity in problem-solving
Experience or familiarity with Web analytics or data analysis more broadly
Business or managerial experience outside of technology/Product

Responsibilities

Owns (sets and executes) short-term product strategy, direction, and priorities (subject to program and department requirements), including maintaining product backlogs and roadmaps, for product features and software projects
Interprets expressions of program desires according to principles of product design
Generates, harvests, and/or filters ideas for feature development
Communicates internally about products and product features (socializes products), including writing and maintaining product documentation when needed
Negotiates project/feature requirements among stakeholders, developers, and other contributors
Documents and/or ensures documenting of requirements, tracks changes to requirements as necessary
Gathers labor estimates for features as needed
Collaborates with Engineering to modify or adjust designs as necessary
Ensures project participants understand the goal(s) and their role in the project
Monitors design and development progress, communicates adjustments as necessary
Manages stakeholder expectations and needs, including ensuring standards set by the Science Department are met in generation and presentation of data
Facilitates sharing of information and collaboration between project participants
Ensures that software ships and meets requirements—including managing deadlines and solving problems resourcefully as necessary
Cultivates a deep understanding of who the most important users are, and who they could be
Conducts activities to learn what users want and need from the product (e.g., data analysis, user research)
Integrates discovered user needs into product designs and roadmaps
Tracks product performance post-launch
Considers user behavior observations, tests, or interviews alongside intended product use
Shares findings with program leaders and other stakeholders as input for new planning