Executive Director, Digital Product & Platform Services

Arizona State University • Tempe, AZ

3d • $175,000 - $215,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join Enterprise Technology at Arizona State University as our Executive Director of Digital Product & Platform Services and shape the future of higher education technology. In this groundbreaking role, you'll lead our transition to a product-led organization, ensuring digital interactions are intuitive, impactful, and aligned with the evolving landscape of education technology. As a forward-thinking, data-driven leader, you'll architect comprehensive digital strategies, spearhead user-centric product development, and foster innovation, including AI integration. This unique position combines the excitement of a startup with the resources of a major university, offering you the chance to make a lasting impact on higher education. If you're passionate about technology, education, and exceptional user experiences, join us in building the digital future of learning at Arizona State University. This role reports directly into the Deputy Chief Information Officer - Operational Excellence & Digital Transformation. As with all members of the Enterprise Technology team, this role carries core responsibilities, including fostering a sense of belonging and cultivating a culture that is relational, visionary, and empowering. With a strong emphasis on authenticity and compassion, this position is dedicated to embodying and advancing our culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including five (5) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Nice To Haves

• Proven track record of executive leadership in a dynamic technology organization, with a focus on digital product development and user experience.
• Exceptional communication skills, demonstrating the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and build consensus across all levels of the organization.
• Strategic vision and ability to translate high-level goals into actionable plans, navigating ambiguity and driving initiatives from concept to execution.
• Demonstrated experience in leading organizational transformation, particularly in shifting towards product-led and user-centric approaches.
• Extensive knowledge of industry-standard frameworks for prioritization, capacity planning, and value realization in technology projects.
• Strong background in fostering innovation, particularly in integrating emerging technologies like AI into product development processes.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing, diverse teams, creating an inclusive environment that encourages creativity and continuous improvement.
• Experience in managing large-scale budgets and resources, with a track record of delivering ROI on technology investments.
• Adept at identifying, communicating, and mitigating critical risks to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to leverage data and metrics to drive decision-making and demonstrate impact.
• Demonstrated ability to model empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence.
• Experience in a values-driven organization with a strong commitment to inclusion and belonging.
• Ability to cultivate a psychologically safe environment where all team members can thrive.
• Capacity to inspire and drive meaningful change in individual, institutional, and corporate behaviors to support a more sustainable environment.
• Commitment to leading by example through effective communication, active participation, and advocacy for the institution’s sustainability programs.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the overarching vision for the Digital Products & Platform Services, aligning with university goals and industry trends.
• Organizational Development: Establish governance structures, talent strategies, and foster a high-performing culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strategic partnerships at executive and senior management levels across the university, translating high-level vision into actionable digital roadmaps.
• Product Strategy: Champion a product-centric mindset across the enterprise, driving the shift towards iterative, value-driven development lifecycles.
• UX Direction: Oversee the creation of a unified design system and research practice, ensuring seamless and accessible experiences for students and other constituents.
• Innovation Leadership: Spearhead the integration of cutting-edge and emerging technologies, leaning strongly into AI, to enhance product delivery and drive efficiency.
• Portfolio Management: Direct large-scale portfolios, including strategic planning, budget allocation, and risk mitigation, to support the university's mission and stakeholder success.
• Performance Oversight: Regularly assess and report on achievements, impact, and risks to key stakeholders, utilizing analytics to inform decision-making and optimize delivery.
• Cultural Stewardship: Set the tone for the organization by exemplifying enthusiasm, creativity, and a purpose-driven approach in all initiatives.
• Leverage AI in routine tasks and contribute ideas for using AI to improve the unit’s efficiency and overall performance.
• Take responsibility for fostering a positive culture, upholding organizational values, and championing engagement in all its forms.
• Collaborate across teams and actively participate in ET/ASU events and programs.

Benefits

• Our professional development is built in!
• ET encourages staff to seek additional certificates and degrees via ASU’s top ranked programs with major tuition breaks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees