Product Development Specialist

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Product Development Specialist based in the United States.** As a Product Development Specialist, you will contribute to the development and enhancement of innovative SaaS solutions designed to improve educational outcomes and public-sector performance. You will combine industry research, strategic planning, and project management to support the creation of impactful products. Working across specialized areas such as data science, predictive analytics, education improvement, and leadership development, you will help translate market insights and customer needs into actionable product strategies. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop prototypes, define product specifications, and establish operational guidelines. This contract opportunity offers the flexibility to contribute intermittently to early-stage product development initiatives. Your expertise will help shape a growing product portfolio and support solutions that drive measurable results. ### Accountabilities: As a Product Development Specialist, you will support the initial development of the product portfolio by combining research, strategic thinking, and practical execution. Your responsibilities will include: - Design, execute, and manage product development projects, ensuring objectives and deadlines are clearly defined and met. - Research industry developments, emerging trends, and competitive landscapes, compiling reports to inform product strategy. - Contribute to the development and implementation of operational guidelines, processes, and objectives for the product portfolio. - Develop prototypes and document product specifications to support product design and implementation. - Analyze consumer preferences and insights using internal tools, translating findings into actionable recommendations for product improvement and innovation. - Monitor market trends and identify opportunities to strengthen product positioning and support business growth. - Coordinate with relevant departments and external vendors to communicate project progress, establish clear guidelines, and gather feedback. - Incorporate stakeholder feedback into product development plans and recommend strategies to improve product performance. **Requirements:** The ideal candidate combines specialized expertise with strong analytical, communication, and project management skills. You should be comfortable working independently on early-stage initiatives and collaborating with stakeholders to turn complex challenges into practical solutions. The following qualifications are required: - At least 5 years of experience in one or more relevant areas, including data science, predictive analytics, strategic and operational planning, grant writing, continuous school improvement or turnaround, leadership development, or executive coaching. - Experience in business development, with an understanding of product strategy and growth opportunities. - Strong analytical, diagnostic, and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to assess information and develop evidence-based recommendations. - Proven project management capabilities, including planning, execution, and coordination of deliverables. - Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. - A bachelor's degree is required. - Willingness and ability to travel within the United States up to 5% of the time. - Ability to work independently as an intermittent contractor and contribute effectively to initial product development projects. **Benefits:** - **Contract flexibility:** Work as an independent contractor, contributing intermittently based on product development needs. - **Remote work:** The position is advertised as remote, with Atlanta, Georgia, listed as the preferred location. - **Specialized project opportunities:** Apply your expertise to meaningful initiatives across technology, education, analytics, strategic planning, and leadership development. - **Product development impact:** Help shape an early-stage SaaS product portfolio and contribute to solutions designed to improve institutional performance. - **Cross-functional collaboration:** Work with stakeholders and external partners to develop innovative products and translate insights into practical outcomes.