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Reference #: R2715 Job Type: Regular

Director, Product Development & Management

Reporting to the Vice President of Information Services & Chief Information Officer (CIO), the director of product development and management is responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of software product assets created at RAND. They will lead a team of software engineers, architects, and data scientists, along with integrating research staff into product development teams, to design, develop, deliver, and sustain high-quality custom analytic applications that enable both more effective and efficient research across a broad array of methods and policy areas, with the aim of helping to keep RAND at the cutting edge of research capabilities. This includes the integration of new computing technology as it evolves and the automation of new analytic methods as they are developed. Specifically, the team will help prioritize application ideas and prototypes that are developed by the research community in their independent research or in the course of client work into production applications. The team will then work to sustain these and existing products, to include product upgrades, security, and performance. In particular, in the near-term the team will help develop tools and capabilities to exploit LLMs to support research. The director will also serve as a technology advisor to senior management with respect to technology forecasts, trends, and capability priorities that will enable more effective and efficient research with oversight for the following.

Manage and lead a team of product software engineers and architects to achieve business objectives. Develop and implement software product engineering strategies, roadmaps, and plans to align with RAND overall and research division goals and priorities. Sustain the security and performance of RAND's production custom research applications. Develop and execute processes to garner product application ideas from across the RAND research community. Continually upgrade custom research applications based upon value analysis of new feature requests. Provide technical guidance and oversight to ensure the development of high-quality software products that meet research needs and business objectives. Identify and resolve complex technical issues and make informed decisions to mitigate risks and improve product quality. Communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders, keeping RAND management and the research community well informed of future and available products. Oversee the development of software products through the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring timely and within-budget delivery. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Senior technologist/leader with experience in and strong understanding of: Software product development including principles, technologies, and methodologies, with a track record of successfully leading technical teams, software portfolio management, and delivery of software products throughout business enterprises. Managing software maintenance, security updates, and product enhancements for custom software products and associated emerging technology capabilities. Leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and manage a team of technical professionals; a reputation for excellence in their work; and a demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders as well as build positive relationships with all levels of RAND staff. Strong understanding of RAND-like evidence based, rigorous public policy research. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic software product and technology plans to achieve business objectives. Experience demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve comp ex technical issues. Minimum ten years of relevant experience to include a minimum of five years of supervisory experience.

Education: BA/BS degree required in a relevant field

Location: Santa Monica, CA, Pittsburgh, PA, or Washington DC; may work from home two days per weeks

Security Clearance: Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance

Salary Range: $172,800, - $276,800 RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity.The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet

Equal Opportunity Employer-minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity