Product Owner-Platform (Manufacturing)

Kognito (www.kognito.com) develops role-play simulations where users engage in conversations with virtual humans and learn how to lead critical conversations in real-life that result in improved social, emotional, and physical health.   Kognito is a brand of Ascend Learning, LLC.

Ascend Learning is a national leader in data driven, online educational solutions for learners, educators and employers in high-growth, licensure-driven professions spanning healthcare, fitness and wellness, skilled trades, insurance and financial services. We are passionate about accelerating learning while impacting job readiness, employment success and employee retention with the belief that our work changes lives.

Our culture is intentionally results-driven and selfless with a relentless focus on our customers. We believe in trust, transparency, freedom and responsibility with a commitment to meritocracy, inclusion and diversity of thought. Continual investment in our over 1400 employees is also a core principle realized through ongoing professional development and providing opportunities to grow, develop and lead. Ascend Learning is headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and remote workers in cities across the U.S. and in the U.K

This position works across the product lifecycle, focused on carrying the platform product roadmap through execution to successfully deliver the strategic product vision. The Product Owner will work cross-functionally with Product Managers, Production Teams, Client Success, Marketing, Technology, and Sales, as well as clients and subject matter experts to ensure that our platform initiatives are developed to the needs and specifications in our K-12 and higher ed education market, as well as our healthcare market. The ideal candidate will possess insightful analytical and extraordinary organizational skills, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, team-oriented environment. Kognito follows the Pragmatic Marketing approach to product management.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with, and motivate a cross-functional team of instructional and game designers, animators, designers, testers, project managers, and developers to build, execute and release Kognito platform initiatives in alignment with product roadmaps
• Serve as the direct representative of the product with business teams, and act as the point-person for all stakeholder communications, both internally and with clients, subject matter experts, and key opinion leaders, ensuring their perspective is represented in the product
• Map user personas within each vertical that Kognito represents, applying those personas to platform initiatives, and represent / reinforce the users' perspective throughout the product realization cycle
• Gather and document detailed product requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria for platform initiatives and process enhancements
• Actively support design and prototype work. Solicit user and other stakeholder feedback on concepts and prototypes
• Develop change management and internal communication plans and supporting materials
• Develop product launch plans and define milestones and deliverables roadmap
• Attend SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) ceremonies and own various elements including PI planning, and retrospectives, working in partnership with production and shared service teams across the business on execution
• Own prioritization of product backlog items and assess the impact of all roadmap initiatives when changes are made

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience
• Required at least 4+ years of relevant experience
• Experience leading cross-functional teams through product development
• Experience working in a software development environment
• Experience with JIRA, or equivalent product management tool
• Experience with SAFe a plus
• Experience in an education or healthcare-related field

Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to gather requirements for technical projects
• Strong business acumen
• Technical aptitude to partner with development teams
• Natural leader in a matrix organization
• Ability to bring the creative ideas of others to market
• Analytical thinker and creative problem solver
• Detail oriented with a strong focus on quality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to understand strategic vision with multi-dimensional needs and lead product development through delivery
• Proven success gaining a deep understanding of stakeholder and user experience to improve stakeholder satisfaction
• Understanding of the dynamics of education and healthcare markets a plus

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

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