"Technical Product Manager"

Job Summary

Merit Network, Inc. is a nonprofit leader advancing high-quality internet and cybersecurity solutions for Michigan's educational and public sector communities. As the Technical Product Manager within our Technology Services team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Merit's network, security, and technology offerings. In close partnership with the Chief Information Officer and cross-functional teams, you will lead the development, strategy, and continuous improvement of products and services that empower our nonprofit members and customers. Bringing both strategic vision and technical expertise, you'll drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure Merit's offerings meet the evolving needs of our wider community. This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven, tech-savvy professional who thrives in a collaborative and impact-oriented environment.

To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/

Responsibilities*

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

As the Technical Product Manager, your main responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Product Strategy & Lifecycle Management (70%)

• Define and execute product vision, strategy, and roadmaps for Merit's services in alignment with mission, goals and member needs (E)
• Lead the development, launch, and ongoing lifecycle management of assigned networking and cybersecurity products and services (E)
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis for informed product decisions, pricing, positioning and risk management (E)
• Collaborate with the CIO to develop pricing models for Merit products and services (E)
• Collaborate with the CIO on go-to-market strategies for Merit products and services (E)
• Develop and maintain internal documentation, business processes, and key performance metrics to ensure product success, continuous improvement, and member / customer satisfaction (E)
• Communicate clear success criteria for each product or service, track performance from launch through the lifecycle, and share results with stakeholders to inform ongoing direction (E)
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to improve your market awareness and knowledge of current trends in networking and IT services

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Partner with engineering, operations, sales, and member organizations to gather requirements, shape features, and deliver effective solutions (E)
• Facilitate communications with teams on product features, use cases, training, sales enablement and support (E)
• Occasional travel to member and vendor sites to engage on Merit products/services (E)
• Represent products/services in state and national meetings, including conferences
• Develop and deliver training sessions to staff and stakeholders to ensure effective adoption of new and updated services (E)

Vendor, Partner & Customer Support (10%)

• Manage vendor and partner relationships
• Help resolve customer support issues related to assigned products and services

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education & experience.
• 3+ years of experience in technical product management or a closely related field.
• Technical knowledge related to networks, network security, web applications, or other technical disciplines.
• Experience communicating complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives effectively.

Desired Qualifications*

• Knowledge of the networking services/ISP industry.
• Experience with network protocols such as BGP, DNS, or similar networking concepts.
• Experience in user experience (UX) design.
• Experience with pricing strategy and revenue forecasting.
• Experience working with higher education, K-12 educational institutions, libraries, research institutions, and other public sector non-profit organizations.

Modes of Work

This is a full-time, hybrid position. Though the typical work schedule is 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change if necessary.

During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location: 880 Technology Dr., Suite B, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week determined in partnership with your supervisor. In addition, ad-hoc on-site meetings and events may be needed with adequate notice provided.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or remote work modes are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.

There may be some occasional work required outside of the established schedule, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Some travel within and outside of Michigan will be required.

Additional Information

Starting salary range is $75,000.00 -$95,000.00, depending on experience and credentials.

Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your health, well-being, and future, including: Full access to medical and dental insurance for you and your eligible dependents; Generous 2:1 retirement matching to help you plan for your long-term goals; Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and additional paid time off to support work-life balance; Access to a variety of well-being programs, resources, and campus perks; Professional development opportunities and educational assistance to further your career; And more discover the complete benefits package at careers.umich.edu/benefits