Director, Certification Product Strategy
About The Position
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is seeking a Director, Certification Product Strategy to lead the strategic direction, market positioning, and performance of its global certification product portfolio. This role oversees certification product strategy, market research, portfolio financial performance, product communications, and the technology supporting certification delivery. The Director leads product strategy and technical operations teams through their managers, aligns cross-functional priorities, and turns customer and market insights into actionable product strategies. The role develops the long-term vision for the certification portfolio, identifies opportunities for new certifications and product enhancements, and guides product positioning and initiatives to support growth. It oversees financial forecasting, revenue trends, variance analysis, and portfolio performance against targets; coordinates resources and timelines across teams; and directs technical operations, certification delivery technology strategy, system enhancements, and core operational processes. The Director also leads certification communications and collaborates with Marketing, Institute Relations, Chapter Engagement, other internal teams, and senior leadership. The position develops managers and teams, promotes accountability and collaboration, and guides teams through shifting priorities and complex business challenges. The role is based in Lake Mary, Florida, in a hybrid work arrangement and is full-time.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Education, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in product management, product strategy, or portfolio leadership, including at least 3 years leading people managers.
- Demonstrated success developing and executing multi-year product strategies informed by market research and customer insights.
- Experience managing product portfolio financial performance, including forecasting, variance analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams, including technical operations and distributed or offshore team structures.
- Working knowledge of certification and exam delivery operations or assessment technology sufficient to oversee technology strategy.
- Strong financial, analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, analytics and data visualization tools, and product or project management platforms.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, executive presence, and ability to influence senior leadership.
- Ability to translate strategic objectives into prioritized execution plans and lead teams through ambiguity.
- Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and a customer-centric leadership approach.
Nice To Haves
- MBA or master's degree in a related discipline.
- Professional certification such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or another credentialing or assessment-related certification.
- Product strategy or portfolio leadership experience within certification, credentialing, education, or professional services.
- Experience supporting global certification programs, assessment platforms, or professional credentialing products.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a long-term strategy and vision for the certification product portfolio.
- Lead market research and customer intelligence initiatives to identify opportunities for new certifications, product enhancements, and portfolio growth.
- Translate market trends, customer needs, and competitive insights into strategic product decisions.
- Guide product positioning, priorities, and strategic initiatives to support sustained growth.
- Oversee portfolio financial performance, including forecasting, revenue trends, variance analysis, and performance against targets.
- Coordinate resources, timelines, and priorities across teams to execute portfolio initiatives.
- Lead technical operations through team managers, setting priorities, performance expectations, and accountability.
- Oversee certification delivery technology strategy, system enhancements, and reliable execution of core operational processes.
- Use performance data and business insights to identify risks, recommend improvements, and support decision-making.
- Direct external communications for certification launches, product updates, policy changes, and program enhancements.
- Ensure certification communications are clear, consistent, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities.
- Partner with Marketing, Institute Relations, Chapter Engagement, and other internal teams on product development, go-to-market strategies, and campaigns.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to address business challenges, align strategic priorities, and achieve organizational objectives.
- Lead and develop product strategy and technical operations teams through their managers.
- Coach and mentor managers, strengthen leadership capabilities, and promote accountability.
- Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, results-driven culture.
- Guide teams through changing priorities and complex business challenges while maintaining focus on strategic outcomes.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
