Director Product Development

Description:Principal ResponsibilitiesThe Director of Product Development drives the development process from the idea source through feasibility study, development and launch for two distinct areas 1) Academic programs and 2) Strategic initiatives.Specific activities include: Framework Development - Product Innovation - Provides strategic direction for cross functional teams that support the product development process- Coordinates the development of a cross functional innovation "think tank" which analyzes market data, develop hypothesis on new products and coordinates the development of the feasibility studies for these new concepts. - Analyzes customer research/forecast data, and identifies new products and strategic initiatives- Works with key business stakeholders to create launch strategies (Business Verticals, Academics, etc)- Designs internal structure to proactively collect new program ideas Product Feasibility studies- Manages team to prepare feasibility studies - consumer studies, Financial models, Operational assessment, etc- Prepares for academic, accrediting and licensing approvals for programs - Coordinates implementation process with editorial to ensure legal complianceProduct launch plans- Establishes and monitors launch strategy and logistics with IT, Marketing, Academics and Admissions- Establishes and monitors launch strategy and logistics - Performs financial analysis of products/programs- Coordinates implementation process with editorial to ensure legal compliance Framework - Product Portfolio Performance- Works with team to develop framework for the ongoing evaluation of product performance- Develops metrics for the review of products - Produces reports and feedback mechanism for the evaluation of new/productsActivities Breakdown for the Director of Product Development - Management of Direct Reports 25%- Project Management (Manage Feasibility Studies) 50%- Business Planning/Competitive analysis 10%- Review Product Portfolio Performance 15%Qualifications:Experience required- 5 to 7 years work experience- Project Management experience required- Masters degree in business required (MBA, etc)- Business Development and product development experience preferredPosition Requirements- Must demonstrate ability to resolve complex problems- Excellent project management skills- Excellent communications skillsSalary/Benefits: Salary commensurate with experienceFull time employees enjoy these outstanding benefits: *401(k) plan *Comprehensive health, dental and short term disability & long term disability plans *Business casual dress code *Sick days, personal days, holidays, and vacation days *A friendly, team oriented environmentJob Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FLJob Number: 6401BRCompany URL: http://www.kaplan.eduCompany Profile:Kaplan University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing innovative undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education. Our programs foster student learning with opportunities to launch, enhance, or change careers in a diverse global society. Kaplan University is committed to general education, a student-centered service and support approach, and applied scholarship in a practical environment. Kaplan University is a unit of Kaplan, Inc., a worldwide education services provider and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). www.kaplan.com