Software Product Manager - NatureServe
Arlington, VA
About the Job
ABOUT NATURESERVE:
NatureServe, a nonprofit conservation science and technology organization, unlocks the power of science to guide biodiversity conservation. With an international network of over 60 natural heritage programs across the United States and Canada, NatureServe is the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems. To protect threatened biodiversity, NatureServe works with over 1,000 conservation professionals to collect, aggregate, and standardize biodiversity statistics, providing comprehensive data to the public for strategic conservation efforts. NatureServe and its network programs develop and manage the most comprehensive data for over 100,000 species and ecosystems, answering fundamental questions about what biodiversity exists, where it is found, and how it is doing.
DESCRIPTION:
Join NatureServe and power conservation with technology! We're seeking a Software Product Manager to drive the development and evolution of applications that put critical data into the hands of scientists, conservationists, and the public. These tools are essential for protecting rare species, managing ecosystems, and shaping informed environmental decisions.
NatureServe isn't your typical software company – we're a non-profit fueled by a passion for conservation. As our Software Product Manager, you'll collaborate directly with our scientists and engineers in dynamic agile teams to deliver solutions with real-world impact.
We're looking for someone with a proven track record in SaaS product management, a solid understanding of agile development methodologies, and the ability to translate conservation needs into exceptional software experiences. If you have the expertise to guide software lifecycles and a passion for making a difference, this role is for you!
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Lead the planning and implementation of software projects and product development, employing agile methodologies to deliver within time, scope, and budget.
- Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities through market analysis, outreach to potential clients, and strategic partnership exploration.
- Communicate effectively with existing customers, developing proposals, project plans, and providing reports, while simultaneously exploring expansion opportunities within existing accounts
- Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements and shape features, ensuring technical feasibility, alignment with organizational goals, and future market potential.
- Oversee a portfolio of products, creating product documentation, managing their lifecycle, and driving continuous improvement post-launch.
- Establish and maintain product backlogs, prioritize tasks, and facilitate agile ceremonies to ensure efficient workflow and project progress.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, regularly conduct analysis, and identify opportunities for innovation and growth to enhance market positioning.
- Coordinate resource availability and allocation, working closely with internal teams and external vendors to achieve product milestones.
- Actively manage client and stakeholder relationships, conducting regular reviews and adjusting product strategies based on feedback.
- Utilize Jira and other project management tools to track progress, issues, and milestones.
The essential job functions listed above are not meant to be all-inclusive and may be subject to change at any time.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of four years of combined experience in software project management or product management, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked in both capacities.
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
- Solid technical background with experience in software development, web applications, data queries, and APIs.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects using agile methodologies
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with technical teams, clients, and stakeholders.
- Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Jira) and familiarity with Atlassian software suite.
- Ability to work flexibly, accommodating global teams and clients across different time zones.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The following skills are not requirements, but would be very beneficial.
- Background in conservation biology, ecology, or natural resources management
- Experience using or developing web mapping applications
- Certifications in Disciplined Agile, Scrum, Kanban, or other Agile practices
- Project Management Professional certification
- Proposal and grant writing experience
- Fluency in Spanish, French or Portuguese
- Scrum Master Training
BENEFITS:
NatureServe offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- 401K savings and retirement plan with matching contributions
- Health and dental insurance
- Short and long-term disability
- Annual and sick leave
- Life insurance
- Telework/Flex work
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work during standard office hours
- Ability to move or adjust light computer and peripheral equipment
- Requires frequent communication, verbal and written
- Ability to hear well and speak clearly to engage effectively with staff
- Requires ability to visually or otherwise identify, observe or assess
- Ability to travel independently
- Ability to stay focused and maintain composure handling multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment