Innovation and Product Strategy Specialist

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open to the Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS00058/4

Salary Range: $78,369- $87,380

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC

Brief Description of Duties

The Innovation and Product Strategy Specialist in CAUSES reports to the Director of the Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation, and Infrastructure (CURII) and is responsible for leading the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative products and business strategies. This position involves overseeing a team of product development assistants, identifying opportunities for new initiatives such as produce sales, licensing and creating comprehensive business plans to drive the College’s mission of promoting agricultural and sustainable products to the communities and business environments we serve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of product development assistants in the conceptualization and execution of new products and services aligned with the College’s mission and land-grant goals.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of product strategies and business plans for launching and promoting innovative offerings, including produce sales and licensing opportunities.
• Drive market research initiatives to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to inform product development efforts.
• Oversee the creation of detailed business plans for new product initiatives, incorporating financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans.
• Analyze product performance metrics and market data, providing strategic recommendations to senior management to enhance product offerings.
• Foster collaborative relationships with CAUSES faculty, researchers, and staff to leverage expertise and resources in product development.
• Engage with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders, representing CAUSES at industry events, conferences, and meetings to promote products and build strategic partnerships.
• Supervise the product development lifecycle, ensuring efficient execution of design, testing, and launch phases.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring successful and timely delivery of product initiatives.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess product performance and market feedback, identifying areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports on product development progress, market analysis, and business outcomes to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Stay informed of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices to drive innovation in product development.
• Recommend and implement enhancements to existing products and processes based on stakeholder feedback and performance data.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Urban Sustainability, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, or a related field; a bachelor’s degree with significant experience may be considered.
• Extensive experience in product development, business planning, or a related area, preferably in an academic or research-focused environment.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and mentor a diverse team of professionals.
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in interpreting market data and performance metrics.
• Exceptional project management skills, with experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders concurrently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating across teams and engaging with external partners.
• Knowledge of agriculture, urban sustainability, and environmental sciences is highly desirable.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.  

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA-CREF).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business,  or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: The Residency Preference Amendment Act of 1988, D.C. Law 7-203, created a system in which provides that any applicant for employment in the Career or Educational Services who is a bona fide resident of the District of Columbia may claim a residency reference at the time of application. An applicant selected for an appointment based on District residency will be required to submit no less than eight (8) proofs of bona fide District residency. Bona fide District residency must be maintained from the date of appointment to the position for seven (7) consecutive years. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the (7) year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources Only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal opportunity/.