Technology Product Manager

Harcourt, a global education company, serves students and teachers in Pre-K through grade 12, adult learners, and readers of all ages. We provide a variety of books, print, and electronic learning materials, assessments, and professional development programs to create learning adventures.

 

Harcourt Achieve is actively seeking a seasoned technology marketing professional who can bring a strong base of experience and a deep understanding of the differences between technology and print based products, who can drive change in this arena.  In order to help the company leapfrog competitors in both the technology and print spaces this individual needs deep experience with leading edge technologies like web based applications (ASP and WAN/LAN hosted), mobile PDA/Cell phone platforms, viral network based marketing, on-line assessment and reporting tools, advanced search engines, multi-user online experiential learning environments (MUD, MMORPG, MUVE), web-based professional development (including stored and live video feeds), pen based computing tools, community centered user driven networks (e.g. Myspace), and user centered on-line distribution models (e.g. iTunes, YouTube, Amazon, etc.).  In addition, since schools are already heavily invested in enterprise student management systems experience with Electronic Data Interchange protocols (SIF, IMS, etc.) will be a definite plus.

 

In this context the primary responsibility of the Product Manager Technology is to gather and synthesize market intelligence through a variety of channels for technology based products.  That information is utilized to inform product development on ways to differentiate the product and to develop the product positioning and unique selling propositions.  Pricing and Packaging decisions are also based on information gathered.  Additionally the product manager is the gatekeeper for the Publishing Approval Process by gathering and synthesizing information from manufacturing, finance, editorial, and sales.  The Product manager develops the market assumptions and 5-year revenue projections as part of the approval process.  The product manager has revenue accountabilities and is thereby the product champion for their respective lines.  They are charged with conceptualizing all marketing collateral and sales support for the field also in support of their respective lines.  The product manager analyzes the overall market landscape to propose new revenue generating opportunities and compiles overall strategy, budget, and calendars through the development of an annual market plan.

 

 

4-year college degree in business, education or equivalent required.

The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in instructional technology and/or business a decided plus but not a requirement.

3+ years experience in product marketing for education required.  Sales experience a plus.

3+ years experience marketing and/or selling software solutions successfully to education markets

Experience in print publishing a plus but not requried

Experience in creating, launching, and successfully marketing Web 2.0 solutions

Teaching and/or Administrative background a decided plus but not a requirement.

The ideal candidate should have:

- Deep technical understanding of key decisions that affect product quality, implementation, support, and development.  These include interoperability standards, database architectures, user interface design for learning environments,  data loading schema, hardware and software platforms, and a sense of how new technologies are going to integrate into the existing infrastructure in schools.

- Background in best practices for implementing instructional technology solutions in schools, districts, and homes.

- Ability to build strong relationships across the business and to work to generate consensus around critical decisions affecting technology deployment.

- Be a self-starter with the ability to anticipate problems and act quickly (time to market is a critical success factor)

- Computer skill; excellent verbal and written communication skills; organization skills; presentation skills.

-Knowledge of financial analysis

 

This position will be required to sit and work at a computer for long periods of time. This position will work in an office environment.  Frequent travel may be required.

 

Harcourt provides equal employment opportunities to all of our employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status. If you require special accommodation to complete the recruitment process, please let us know.

 

Qualified candidates should apply by submitting their resume at www.harcourt.com/HRJobs/index.html and search for requisition # 220033.