About the position
The Head of Product will play a pivotal role in shaping the product strategy, development, and execution of digital experiences across our platforms. As the leader of our product team, you will be responsible for defining the roadmap, driving innovation, and ensuring that our digital products effectively meet the needs of our audience while aligning with the organization's broader business objectives. Our goal at The Minnesota Star Tribune is to innovate and redefine how news is produced, consumed, and experienced in the digital age. We're looking for a passionate and strategic leader to drive the product vision and execution to shape the future of our platforms. This is a senior leadership role - reporting to the Chief Product Officer - with a direct impact on the organization's growth and success. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including editorial, engineering, design, data, advertising, consumer growth, our AI Lab and marketing to build products that drive engagement, enhance user experience, and grow our audience. At The Minnesota Star Tribune, data is central to our strategy and decision-making, and we've adopted OKRs across the organization to maintain alignment and focus. You will play a key role in nurturing a data-driven product culture, ensuring that product decisions are guided by insights, metrics, and feedback. You will collaborate closely with our team of analysts and data scientists to define the right key performance indicators and assess product performance. You also will help guide experimentation and innovation, including working closely with our AI Lab - a dedicated product and engineering team focused on AI and news. The Minnesota Star Tribune aims to be the leading model for local news in America, so it is essential that our Head of Product stays ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to inform product development and innovation.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Chief Product Officer (CPO) and senior leadership to define and execute product strategy aligned with company mission and goals.
- Set and continuously refine the long-term product roadmap, focusing on user experience, subscription growth, and news innovation.
- Oversee the development and lifecycle of digital news products, from concept to launch and ongoing iteration.
- Work across teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of product initiatives, ensuring seamless delivery and continued product evolution.
- Provide guidance on best practices in product development, design, and user experience.
- Collaborate with engineering, data, and design teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality product features and updates.
- Lead and mentor our high-performing product team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative environment.
- Drive recruitment, training, and development of team members, emphasizing accountability, ownership, and results-driven product management.
- Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to drive product development and innovation.
- Share insights and best practices with the broader industry to advance local news and product development practices.
Requirements
- Proven experience leading a product team. Experience in digital media, news, or publishing is a plus.
- Strong understanding of digital product development, including web and mobile applications, subscription models, advertising and content management systems.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, editorial, and analytics.
- Deep understanding of digital news products, user engagement strategies, and emerging technologies.
- Strong knowledge of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
- Data-driven mindset, with experience leveraging analytics and A/B testing to optimize products and user experience.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
Benefits
- Modern Downtown Office: Enjoy a state-of-the-art workspace with a free fitness center, collaborative center, golf simulator, and a rooftop patio.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Includes commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Wellness & Work-Life Balance: Participate in our wellness program with financial incentives, generous paid time off, flexible holidays, one volunteer day, and two wellness days.
- Financial & Family Support: Benefit from a 401(k) with company match, paid parental and caregiving leave, hybrid work arrangements, and tuition reimbursement.
- Additional Perks: Access to an employee assistance program, pet insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
