Web Development Product Manager (Office of Communications) (Information Technology)

About Urban Institute:

At the Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities. As a nonprofit focusing on social and economic policy, our researchers and policy entrepreneurs open minds, shape decisions, and identify transformative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.

Our Mission

To open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions through economic and social policy research.

Our Values

Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity

For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.

The Opportunity:

The web development product manager will manage all aspects of website development at Urban Institute including discovery, information architecture, wire framing, design, site building and production, quality assurance testing, and user acceptance. The product manager will be responsible for ensuring that digital projects are completed to the specifications set by the team and that websites and other products meet the goals of researchers, communications staff, and our audiences. Reporting to the senior director of digital communications, the product manager will collaborate with researchers, a project manager, designer, Drupal developers, and content producers to deliver websites that promote the goals and research of the Urban Institute.  Equity is a core value of the Urban Institute. The product manager will ensure that diverse audiences are served by our digital products.

What You'll Do:

• Provide strategic direction for websites involving Urban researchers, funders, and stakeholders.
• Conduct discovery, user research, and competitive analysis for integrated digital strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align on project goals and objectives.
• Develop strategy documentation, including information architecture and user personas.
• Coordinate with Design/UX team for wireframes and designs.
• Participate in agile project management activities and sprint reviews.
• Define and measure KPIs with Digital Comms leadership.
• Validate websites against acceptance criteria and design guidelines.
• Manage new feature and functionality development based on input from Comms staff and researchers.
• Work with external vendors on budgets, timelines, and tasks.
• Evangelize the practice of product management across other teams at Urban.

Who You Are:

The successful candidate will:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, computer xcience, information systems, or related fields; or equivalent work/education experience.
• 3-5 years of professional product management experience.
• Experience leading design and development projects.
• Experience leading new website builds and/or website refresh.
• Experience with budgeting and, procurement, and vendor management.
• Familiarity with analytics, SEO, accessibility and technology platforms (such as CMS', integrating with APIs, etc). Familiarity with Drupal CMS is a plus.
• Familiarity with project management software and agile concepts. A working knowledge of Jira is a plus.

What You'll Experience:

No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. And whether you call the Washington, DC area or elsewhere home, you can expect to be part of a welcoming and hybrid workplace. We are committed to cultivating a community and working in a manner defined by collaboration, equity, inclusivity, independence, and integrity.

Urban's greatest asset is our people.

The target salary range for this position is Min $85,000 – Max $115,000. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute's total compensation package. Urban is committed to supporting our staff's physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you're hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You'll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This position has the opportunity to be fully remote.

With the conclusion of the government-issued COVID-19 national public health emergency, Urban has updated our COVID-19 safety guidelines. All Urban Institute employees working from our onsite location must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and comply with any masking requirements. Fully vaccinated is defined as receiving the primary series of US approved COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson's Janssen) with the addition of at least 1 COVID-19 booster. Employees who are working onsite may request exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement based on a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated. Where such an exemption is approved, Urban will discuss potential accommodation with the employee. These guidelines do not apply to employees who are teleworking or other offsite staff.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

The Urban Institute is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law. The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@urban.org.  Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
 

The Urban Institute has formally recognized the Urban Institute Employees' Union, which is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). Urban management and the Union work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared commitment to this institution. This position is included in the Union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations.