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Job description
Director - Product Development
Region 4 Education Service Center REGION 4 ESC - HOUSTON, Texas Open in Google Maps
This job is also posted in Region 4 Education Service Center
Job Details
Job ID:
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Aug 05, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately
Job Description
Classification: Administrative/Professional
Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Computer
Job Grade: 8
Department: Information Technology
Reports To: Department Director
Job Goal:
Lead the commercialization, development, and growth of DevelopWorks, Region 4’s proprietary professional development platform and other technology products that generate revenue for the ESC. This role guides product strategy, oversees engineering coordination, and ensures positive customer outcomes in support ofRegion4’s mission and its expanding national presence.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a computer-related field orcommensuratecomputer-related experience.
Experience
Ten years of experience as a technology professional
Five years of people management experience
Experience designing, developing, and delivering software products throughthefull lifecycle — from concept through commercial deployment and support
Experience in analysis, implementation, and evaluation of IT systems and SaaS platforms
Special Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of current product development technology, application development practices, and services that support the education environment
Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
Ability to explain technical problems and offer solutions to those without the technological training
Strong interpersonal skills andtheability to effectively communicate and build relationships with customers
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Proven experience in strategic planning and execution, combined with strong organizational skills and business acumen
Familiarity with project management tools such as Monday.com, Jira, or similar platforms
Major Responsibilities
Lead, supervise, and coordinate all activities of the Product Development team, including direct reports in software engineering, customer success, solution architecture,Dataand product analysis
Direct the development, implementation, and commercialization of products and systems supported byRegion4, including:
DevelopWorks — Region 4’s proprietary professional development platform
escWorks — through end-of-development (September 2026) and end-of-life (September 2027)
Future products and featuresidentifiedthrough market research and customer engagement
Develop strategic business direction for the Product Development department, including
Maintain and evolve the DevelopWorks product roadmap aligned to commercialization goals and customer needs
Design go-to-market plans,including pricing strategy, sales enablement materials, and competitive positioning
Identifystrategic business partners, ESC networks, and distribution channels to expand the platform’s reach
Determinenew products or features for current systems to develop and bring to market
Develop business plans for the department and new partnerships
Cultivate andmaintaincustomer relationships across the active pipeline and existing client base
Coordinate communications betweenRegion4 and all customers
Supervise collaborative efforts between the Product Development team and other Region 4 departments
Oversee product environment architecture, system monitoring, upgrades, and releases in coordination with the Data Center & Network Solutions department.
Partner with the Directors of Marketing and Communications on product launches, campaign messaging, customer announcements, and brand positioning
Partner with Texas Education Exchange (TEE) by coordinating Region 4’s participation in statewide technology initiatives, ensuring alignment between DevelopWorks and TEE, and serving as a point of contact for product and platform interoperability requirements
Assist the Chief Officer, Technology Strategy & Innovation,in evaluating the effectiveness of communications between the Product Development team and customers
Lead or co-lead product demonstrations, prospect engagements, and sales presentations; work directly with customers throughout the implementation process
Advise all team members on recommended solutions based on product knowledge and experience.
Evaluate current technology use and recommend technical product solutions incorporating the latest technology, including cloud platforms and Agile product development processes.
Consult with department directors and external customers on technical solutions to reduce administrative paper workflow
Present sales initiatives and product demonstrations,and work directly with customers throughout the implementation process
Lead interoperability efforts between DevelopWorks and the Texas Education Exchange, including data standards alignment, API integration planning, and coordination with TEEand partner organizations to ensure seamless data exchange.
Oversee data engineering functions in support of the department and the broader organization, including the design and maintenance of data pipelines, integration workflows, and data infrastructure that enable reliable reporting and analytics
Partner with business stakeholders acrossRegion4 to deliver analytics and business intelligence capabilities, including dashboards, performance metrics, and data-driven insights that support decision‑making for DevelopWorks and other technology products
Ensure compliance with statewide initiatives by coordinating programs and initiatives to support departments in working with the Texas Education Agency.
Maintain documentation of department activities to meet all internal programmatic and fiscal requirements and all requirements imposed by the Texas Education Agency.
Communicate with customers to ensure that they receive current information on supported programs and services
Prepare and recommend department budgets for review and approval by the Chief Officer, Technology Strategy & Innovation
Provide technicalassistanceand services as specified by any applicable federal grant that funds this position.
Remain current on advances in technology
Supervision/Personnel Management
In coordination with the department director, establish clear expectations, set goals, and provide regular feedback to promote accountability and performance improvement.
In coordination with the department director, manage team workloads and project timelines to ensure priorities are met and deliverables are completed with high quality.
Supervise and support assigned staff, including onboarding, training, and performance management.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and high‑performing workplace.
Ensure compliance with Region 4 policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal guidelines.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:
Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional lifting and carrying (up to 15 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $122,707 to $144,362 Per Year
Job Requirements
Citizenship, residency or work visa required
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Worksite address
houston, TX, 77246, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.