Data Product Ops Lead

Stand Together • Arlington, VA

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About The Position

Stand Together is a philanthropic community that helps America’s boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, from education to the economy, broken communities, and toxic division, among dozens of other pressing issues . We provide our partners with access to resources including funding, thought leadership, a network of peers, and a playbook for applying proven principles to transform lives and society. The Enterprise Data & Information (EDI) team is seeking a Data Product Ops Lead to architect, run, and mature the Product + Analysis operating model for the organization. This is a player–coach leadership role that designs the operating system for how we prioritize, define, deliver, and scale data products, while also directly supporting the execution of the most strategic products in-flight. You will step into a high-functioning team and immediately develop and drive a capability maturity plan. You will also partner with other core capabilities (Engineering & Platform, Data Governance) to ensure EDI delivers high-quality, AI-ready, strategically aligned data products at scale. How You Will Contribute Capability Leadership & Operating Model Strategy Own and evolve the Product Operating Model capability, defining standards, processes, structures, and rhythms for predictable, high‑quality delivery. Within 60–90 days, conduct a start/stop/continue assessment of current practices; sequence improvements without pausing delivery. Lead the full Product + Analysis function (AI/Technical PM, Analysts) to operate with clarity, cohesion, and shared direction. Work closely with Engineering & Platform to align roadmaps, enforce SLAs/SLOs, adopt standards, and maintain platform reliability and observability. Build productive relationships across domain stakeholder groups (Finance & Strategy, Audience, etc.) and enterprise governance bodies. Governance, Prioritization & Lifecycle Ownership Define and run the end‑to-end data product lifecycle, including artifacts, stage gates, and decision rights. Drive evidence‑based prioritization (e.g., RICE); ensure consistent intake, triage, and governance for every product/enhancement and enable transparent prioritization and trade‑off decisions across competing needs in the product portfolio. Strategy + Execution (Player–Coach Delivery) Personally lead strategy and delivery for select, high‑impact data products as needed—especially during strategic moments or capability transitions. Work side‑by-side with senior PMs and Analysts to shape requirements, define success metrics, support prototyping, and validate that outputs are meaningful and AI‑ready. Ensure ongoing product delivery continues at pace while the operating model matures (no “pause” on execution). Product Operations, Measurement & Continuous Improvement Establish KPIs for product maturity, predictability, throughput, quality, adoption, satisfaction, and artifact/documentation compliance. Publish dashboards for leadership visibility; drive continuous improvement against targets. Embed AI‑assisted practices into product workflows (requirements, documentation, prototype testing, user guidance).

Requirements

• 6–10 years in Product Management, Product Operations, Delivery Management, or similar strategy/execution leadership roles.
• Proven ability to enter an active organization and rapidly diagnose operating gaps; implement a pragmatic start/stop/continue plan.
• Demonstrated success leading senior contributors (PMs, Analysts, Engineers) through influence, clarity, structure, and partnership.
• Experience building and governing product operating models (prioritization frameworks, lifecycle discipline, governance).
• Track record of translating strategy into execution as a player–coach (able to own critical products/workstreams hands‑on).
• Comfort operating in fast-moving, ambiguous environments with evolving roles, processes, and technologies.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills across technical and non‑technical stakeholders; excellent alignment skills.
• Experience partnering with data engineering, analytics, and platform teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in data product management, analytics product development, or enterprise data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, dbt, semantic layers).
• Familiarity with federated governance/data mesh and AI‑enabled product workflows.
• Experience in Finance & Strategy or adjacent enterprise data domain approaches.
• Product Owner or Product Management certification (e.g., CSPO).

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the Product Operating Model capability, defining standards, processes, structures, and rhythms for predictable, high‑quality delivery.
• Within 60–90 days, conduct a start/stop/continue assessment of current practices; sequence improvements without pausing delivery.
• Lead the full Product + Analysis function (AI/Technical PM, Analysts) to operate with clarity, cohesion, and shared direction.
• Work closely with Engineering & Platform to align roadmaps, enforce SLAs/SLOs, adopt standards, and maintain platform reliability and observability.
• Build productive relationships across domain stakeholder groups (Finance & Strategy, Audience, etc.) and enterprise governance bodies.
• Define and run the end‑to-end data product lifecycle, including artifacts, stage gates, and decision rights.
• Drive evidence‑based prioritization (e.g., RICE); ensure consistent intake, triage, and governance for every product/enhancement and enable transparent prioritization and trade‑off decisions across competing needs in the product portfolio.
• Personally lead strategy and delivery for select, high‑impact data products as needed—especially during strategic moments or capability transitions.
• Work side‑by-side with senior PMs and Analysts to shape requirements, define success metrics, support prototyping, and validate that outputs are meaningful and AI‑ready.
• Ensure ongoing product delivery continues at pace while the operating model matures (no “pause” on execution).
• Establish KPIs for product maturity, predictability, throughput, quality, adoption, satisfaction, and artifact/documentation compliance.
• Publish dashboards for leadership visibility; drive continuous improvement against targets.
• Embed AI‑assisted practices into product workflows (requirements, documentation, prototype testing, user guidance).

Benefits

• Competitive benefits: Enjoy a 6% 401(k) match with immediate vesting, flexible time off, comprehensive health and dental plans, plus wellness and mental health support through Peloton and Talkspace.
• A meaningful career: Join a passionate community of over 1,500 employees dedicated to improving lives and driving innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
• Commitment to growth: Thrive in a non-hierarchical environment that empowers employees to discover, develop and apply their unique talents.
• Competitive compensation: Our approach rewards the value you create through competitive salaries and bonus opportunities, allowing you to share in the success you help drive.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed