New Product Development Lead

University of Kansas•Lawrence, KS

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a New Product Development Lead to oversee the center’s new product development strategy and lead multidisciplinary teams developing new products related to assessment, instruction, professional learning, and educational technology applications. The New Product Development Lead will develop staff capabilities for agile new product development methodologies, conduct market research, design and conduct iterative product testing, and develop cost models and communication plans to bring new ATLAS K-12 education products into the market. Critical to the role is the ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively with colleagues, and be responsive to project needs. The successful candidate has a proven ability to manage complex projects across multiple teams, lead teams using agile processes, handle competing priorities and deadlines, and communicate with a range of audiences. ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center’s map-based learning systems. With a diverse portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment. ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed. Visit the ATLAS website to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.

Requirements

Master’s degree in educational technology, special education, curriculum & instruction, or other closely related field and four (4) years of relevant additional experience OR Bachelor’s degree and six (6) years of relevant additional experience.
One (1) year of experience using agile development methods in K-12 educational products.
One (1) year of experience working on collaborative teams to co-develop and test new products, including flexibility to serve in various team roles.
One (1) year of experience overseeing and carrying out projects using strong organizational skills and attention to detail, as evidenced by application materials.
One (1) year of experience communicating effectively with internal and external audiences about strategy, methods, and new products.
One (1) year of experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines, including adapting in response to changes in work priorities and processes, as evidenced in application.
Work experience that required the ability to adapt and respond to changes in work priorities and processes as evidenced by application materials.
Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, as evidenced in application materials.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position.
The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of experience using agile development methods to develop and launch K-12 education products including technology.
One (1) year of experience applying concepts of universal design to product and/or service design.
One (1) year of experience in educational assessment design or implementation.
One (1) year of experience with advanced knowledge, training, and/or practical experience with early childhood instruction, special education, or multilingual learners.

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in collaborative, multidisciplinary project teams to design, test, develop and create new products in alignment with ATLAS’ strategy.
Work with project teams and external partners to conceptualize and conduct market research studies, product testing, data analyses, design iterations, and product launches.
Lead and be accountable for continuous improvement of ATLAS’ new product development methods.
Provide subject matter expertise and coach team members in agile product development methods.
Lead new product development strategy for ATLAS.
Work closely with center leadership to identify, develop and successfully pursue strategies for new educational products; may also participate with others to steer a segment of ATLAS’ new product strategy.
External communication to a variety of external audiences about ATLAS products and services.
Special projects/other duties as assigned.