maslansky + partners is a communication strategy firm grounded in a rigorous approach to messaging research. We work with Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, non-profits, and public policy groups to help them address their most important communication and messaging challenges. We’re seeking a Head of Product Development with strong analytical thinking, persuasive writing, and project management skills to join our team.

Every member of our team is:

• A researcher – we conduct qualitative and quantitative research to understand how audiences respond to different ways of talking about something and why
• A writer – we help clients engage and persuade their audiences by writing in a way that resonates and compels them to act
• A strategist – anyone can find out what an audience thinks; we bring an analytic and strategic approach to messaging.
• A consultant – we constantly imagine the world through the eyes of someone else: our clients’, what are their challenges externally and internally and how can we help them? Our clients’ audiences: how do we factor “their truth” into effective messaging?
• Able to express a point of view.  We don’t really care what it is, as long as you have one, and can communicate it persuasively.  
• A compelling speaker.  When we walk into a room, we want people to remember we were there.  We lead with substance, but you also need a demonstrable ability to present well.

Our firm is guided by the simple idea that it’s not what you SAY that matters, it’s what they HEAR. We use research to advise our clients what to say, what not to say, and why it matters.  We passionately believe that for PR, marketing and advocacy efforts to be successful, they must have the right words, phrases and framing. Though small, we have a large impact. We work on major communication challenges for Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, non-profits, and public policy groups around the country and the world.

The head of product development is responsible for driving the development, usage, and revenue growth of proprietary digital products serving external and internal clients.  Digital products – both those that complement our existing capabilities and that support our delivery of existing capabilities – are critical to our long-term strategy.  The core of the role is to drive the growth of our software offerings, including 2 existing products. We are looking for someone who is excited at the prospect of building on what already exists, establishing a user insights practice from the ground up, and using those inputs to articulate product strategies and develop multi-year development roadmaps. You will be expected to drive the product direction, collaborating with the Innovation team and CEO.

Function:

• Primary responsibility for the operation and growth of proprietary digital products within our business.
• Collect and synthesize user feedback to identify market opportunities, develop user stories, and build business cases for new products
• Develop product strategies and multi-year development roadmaps
• Lead the development cycle for current and future products. Develop requirements, wireframes, and manage external development partner(s)
• Develop pricing and revenue models to support product strategy
• Help us drive client acquistion and client usage and retention

What an ideal candidate will bring:

Technical Skills

• [3+/5+] years of experience in product development/management
• Hands-on experience shipping a product from start to finish, concept to launch, a plus
• Demonstrated ability to develop product strategies and translate product strategy into detailed requirements and prototypes
• Understanding of UX design principles, responsive web experiences, information architecture
• Strong focus on user research and experience to unearth product opportunities and validate ideas
• Agile methodology a plus but not critical
• Experience influencing business and technical teams across the organization to gain consensus on strategy and tactics for development
• Ability to scope and prioritize activities based on business and customer impact
• Experience working with data scientists and machine learning, a plus
• Demonstrated experience in at least 1 programming language and familiarity with 1 cloud technology stack (Preference to PHP, HTML/CSS, and AWS Cloud Stack), a plus

Someone who will excel in this role also has

• An entrepreneurial mindset and a desire to build products that respond to real needs
• Deep empathy for users and respect for other’s ideas, opinions, and feedback
• The confidence to advocate for their position while remaining open to other perspectives
• A strong belief in earning trust, building relationships, and leading by influence
• Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to create structure and process
• Experience juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Not just openness to, but active desire for in-the-moment feedback both constructive and appreciative

Four reasons to join the maslansky + partners team:

• To be challenged and grow: We’re looking to hire someone who is always asking the question, what’s next? We offer a variety of opportunities to help build and develop your skills and help you grow in a way that will meaningfully contribute to the trajectory of your career.
• To make a contribution: Our clients come back to us because our team delivers great work every time. And our teams deliver great work because of who they are and how they work together. Small teams with big opportunities. No matter your job description, we encourage you to learn and participate in the broader business. If you are good, you will not get lost...your contribution will be recognized and rewarded.
• To have an impact: Whether you want to help underprivileged students increase their chances of success, increase access to housing, support gender equality, reframe the debate about climate change, or pursue another passion, we actively look for opportunities to complement our corporate work with clients and pro bono opportunities with purpose.
• To have a good time: We do serious work but never take ourselves too seriously. The best work gets done when great people like working together so that is the kind of culture we’ve created. Lots of work and lots of fun to help you stay energized and engaged.

The position includes all the standards like competitive compensation, health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, bonuses, 401k plans. Oh...and free lunch on Mondays!

If you’re intrigued, you should have already checked out our website. If you haven’t done so yet, we won’t hold it against you, but do it right now: www.maslansky.com