Product Manager, AI for Impact

Northeastern University • Boston, MA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

About The Opportunity: We are seeking a talented product manager to work with teams of undergraduate and graduate students trained in AI to deliver projects that enhance lives in collaboration with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and affected communities. At AI for Impact pairs of teams of students work full time for six months to build agile generative AI solutions supported with professional coaching, supervision, and mentoring. Be part of this groundbreaking “product-based learning” program and help create AI for impact. To learn more about the AI for Impact program and current projects please visit our website: https://burnes.northeastern.edu/ai-for-impact-coop/ . Role Overview: The AI for Impact Program housed at the Burnes Center for Social Change is seeking a dynamic and experienced Product Manager to develop generative AI solutions that improve the quality and delivery of public sector services. This role involves working closely with Northeastern students, state government agencies, and other public/private sector stakeholders, and guiding the teams’ product development process from conception to release. The ideal candidate will be a bridge among the students, technical mentors, and our governmental and project partners, ensuring the delivery of innovative, user-centered solutions to complex challenges. This role works closely with other core members of the AI for Impact team.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in product management in government, nonprofits, or industry, preferably with a focus on technical or AI-driven products or services.
• Demonstrated capacity to deliver products and deliverables on time.
• Solid engineering/programming background.
• Relevant technical degree (BS/BA/MS/MA in EE, CS, or equivalent) and/or 3+ years of product development/management experience preferred.
• Ability to keep up with fast changing aspects of AI.
• Strong leadership and team development skills, with an emphasis on mentoring young and new staff members.
• A commitment to the responsible use of AI for social good.
• Expertise in product management methodologies, including agile and scrum frameworks.
• Proficient in user research, documentation, and synthesizing user feedback into actionable product insights.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of working effectively with both technical teams and non-technical partners.
• A passion for public service and a commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of residents.
• Interest in and commitment to mentoring younger product designers.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience managing, coaching, or mentoring teams, especially in an educational or developmental context, is highly desirable.
• Passion for, or experience in, working with the public or social sectors or on civic tech.

Responsibilities

• At the direction of the Technical Director, spearhead the development of generative AI applications by fostering a collaborative environment.
• Engage with students, technical teams, and state agencies to align project goals, timelines, and expectations.
• Play a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of young and new staff members.
• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to the Northeastern student teams, helping them grow professionally while contributing to the projects’ successes.
• Identify and network with other technologists and designers and invite them to help with team coaching and mentoring.
• Conduct thorough user research to understand the needs and challenges of our state agency partners.
• Lead the documentation process for user needs, ensuring that all product decisions are data-driven and user-centered.
• Develop and maintain a clear product roadmap and list of ideas for potential future solutions that teams could take on that aligns with our mission and the specific needs of our governmental and civic partners.
• Ensure the product vision is communicated clearly to all stakeholders.
• Oversee the teams’ product development lifecycle, supporting the release of iterative updates and enhancements.
• Work closely with technical teams to ensure that the product remains agile, functional, and responsive to user feedback.
• We encourage our student co-op team members to be in the office at least three days a week to benefit from hands-on mentoring and coaching.

Benefits

• Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation.
• Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees