Director of IT Product Strategy & Portfolio

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director of IT Product Strategy & Portfolio

Company: Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: IT Product Management / Strategy & Operations

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and execution of enterprise-level IT product strategy for the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and its constituent agencies.

• Oversee a comprehensive portfolio of digital products and application modernization initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities.

• Drive product delivery and execution by establishing and implementing standardized product management processes, frameworks, and governance models across multiple agencies.

• Foster a culture of user-centered design and responsible AI adoption, integrating practical AI capabilities into digital services to enhance efficiency and constituent experience.

• Act as a key liaison between agency leadership, program directors, EOTSS, and third-party partners to ensure successful product development and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership role within a government executive office, focusing on strategic IT product management and portfolio oversight. It requires a blend of strategic vision, operational execution, and cross-functional leadership within a complex public sector environment, with a strong emphasis on modernizing digital services and incorporating emerging technologies like AI. The role bridges the gap between strategic IT planning and the practical delivery of digital products and services that support economic development initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the overarching enterprise product strategy for EOED and its network of agencies, in close collaboration with Secretariat and agency leadership.

• Manage and govern a diverse portfolio of digital products, platforms, and application modernization projects, maintaining a holistic view of investments, dependencies, risks, and opportunities across the Secretariat.

• Lead comprehensive portfolio roadmap planning and prioritization processes to ensure optimal allocation of EOED resources towards the highest-impact opportunities.

• Partner closely with agency leaders and designated product owners to define product visions, establish desired business outcomes, and set delivery priorities that support agency-specific missions.

• Strategically integrate AI opportunities, assess dependencies, and define governance considerations within product portfolio planning, roadmap development, and investment decision-making.

• Establish, implement, and institutionalize standardized product management processes, frameworks, and governance models across all EOED agencies to ensure consistent prioritization, planning, delivery, and performance measurement.

• Guide product owners and delivery partners in effectively balancing immediate operational needs with long-term platform modernization objectives to ensure sustainable digital infrastructure.

• Utilize qualitative and quantitative data, including user feedback, operational insights, policy requirements, and performance analytics, to inform and validate roadmap decisions.

• Promote user-centered design principles and ensure a high-quality user experience across all public-facing and internal digital products developed by EOED agencies.

• Champion product discovery practices that integrate user research, iterative feedback loops, journey mapping, and robust service design principles.

• Ensure all developed products effectively meet the diverse needs of businesses, residents, municipalities, agency staff, and other key partners, thereby enhancing service effectiveness and streamlining staff workflows.

• Oversee the practical and responsible integration of AI capabilities into EOED applications and technical programs, focusing on workflow enablement, internal productivity enhancements, and citizen-facing functionalities where appropriate.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to rigorously evaluate potential AI use cases for feasibility, demonstrable value, adherence to governance standards, privacy implications, and operational readiness.

• Coordinate closely with the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) on statewide technology initiatives, shared services, architectural standards, and delivery dependencies.

• Guide the evaluation, selection, and ongoing management of technology platforms and tools in partnership with legal, finance, and procurement teams to effectively support EOED agency operations.

• Manage relationships with third-party consultants and implementation partners, ensuring strict alignment with EOED priorities, delivery expectations, and established quality standards.

• Proactively monitor progress across all product initiatives, identifying and escalating risks, blockers, and resourcing needs to senior leadership in a timely manner.

• Support high-quality product delivery by ensuring continuous alignment between product priorities, defined user needs, and overarching organizational goals throughout the implementation lifecycle.

• Define and institutionalize enterprise product operating procedures and portfolio management practices, ensuring seamless alignment across agencies, vendors, stakeholders, and technology partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a comprehensive product and portfolio leadership role, encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, cross-functional coordination, and technology adoption. The emphasis on public sector context, agency collaboration, and AI integration suggests a role focused on driving digital transformation within government services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, which may substitute for two years of experience.

• A Graduate degree in a related field may substitute for three years of experience.

• A Doctorate degree in a related field may substitute for four years of experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in product management, digital product leadership, technology strategy, or related IT leadership roles is required.

• This experience must include demonstrated responsibility for managing complex, cross-functional initiatives.

• A minimum of six (6) years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration, or clinical management is required.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in developing and executing enterprise-level product strategy.

• Demonstrated ability in complex portfolio management, including roadmap development, prioritization, and resource allocation across multiple projects.

• Strong understanding of product management principles, including lifecycle management, discovery, and delivery.

• Deep knowledge of user-centered design (UCD) and service design methodologies.

• Experience with application modernization initiatives and managing enterprise platforms.

• Familiarity with modern digital delivery practices and workflows.

• Proficient in Agile and related software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies, with the ability to adapt them to organizational needs.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills, essential for navigating cross-functional and inter-agency dynamics.

• Experience coordinating with third-party vendors, consultants, and implementation partners.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within government agencies or the public sector.

• Knowledge of economic development programs, policies, incentives, and related business regulations.

• Practical experience with AI adoption, including understanding AI capabilities, governance, privacy, and operational readiness.

• Experience with regulated operational systems and workflow automation tools.

• Familiarity with EOTSS (Executive Office of Technology Services and Security) and statewide technology initiatives in Massachusetts is a plus.

• Experience in procurement processes and vendor selection for technology solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational substitutions suggest flexibility for candidates with advanced degrees or specialized certifications. The experience requirements are substantial, pointing towards a senior leadership role requiring significant strategic and operational depth. The emphasis on both strategic product management and practical delivery, alongside AI integration, is a key differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated success in developing and presenting comprehensive product strategies that align with organizational goals.

• Evidence of managing complex product portfolios, showcasing prioritization frameworks, roadmap development, and resource allocation strategies.

• Case studies illustrating the successful modernization of applications or platforms, detailing challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Examples of implementing or refining product management processes and governance models, highlighting improvements in efficiency, standardization, or collaboration.

• Documentation of projects where user-centered design and service design principles were applied to improve user experience and service delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of established product vision documentation and roadmap presentations that secured stakeholder buy-in.

• Documentation of product discovery processes, including user research methodologies, feedback mechanisms, and journey mapping artifacts.

• Frameworks or examples of portfolio governance models, outlining decision-making processes, risk management, and performance tracking.

• Case studies detailing cross-functional coordination efforts, particularly with IT departments, legal, finance, procurement, and external vendors/consultants.

• Examples of operational procedures or best practices for managing technology platforms and tools within a multi-agency or large organizational structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this senior role, the portfolio should emphasize strategic impact, leadership in process improvement, and successful management of complex technology initiatives. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies for portfolio governance, product strategy development, and the integration of new technologies like AI, showcasing tangible results and demonstrable ROI where possible.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

While a specific salary range is not provided in the job description, based on industry benchmarks for a Director-level IT Product Strategy & Portfolio role in a major metropolitan area like Boston, Massachusetts, and considering the public sector context, a competitive annual salary range would typically fall between $150,000 - $200,000. This estimate accounts for the significant experience required (10+ years), the strategic nature of the role, and the cost of living in Boston.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Benefits: Robust retirement savings plans, likely including a state pension plan and 401(k) or 403(b) options.

• Employee Benefits and Rewards: Access to a wide array of employee benefits and rewards programs, as detailed on the Commonwealth's benefits portal.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay, consistent with state government employment.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and participation in industry conferences to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Life Insurance: Basic and optional life insurance coverage.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST.

• This position follows a hybrid model, combining in-office workdays with work-from-home days as required, offering a degree of flexibility.

• The total expected work hours are 40 per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar Director-level IT and Product Management roles in government and large organizations in the Boston area, considering the specified experience level and responsibilities. The benefits are inferred from the mention of "Comprehensive Benefits" and the link provided, which typically include standard public sector offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Economic Development)

Company Size: Large (The Commonwealth of Massachusetts employs tens of thousands across various executive offices and agencies.)

Founded: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a long history, established in 1780. The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) operates as part of this historical governmental structure, focusing on modern economic growth initiatives.

Team Structure:

• The Director will likely lead a dedicated product management or strategy team within EOED, potentially comprising product managers, business analysts, and portfolio coordinators.

• This team will report up through senior IT or Economic Development leadership within the Secretariat.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using qualitative and quantitative inputs, including user feedback, operational insights, policy requirements, and performance data to inform product strategy and roadmap decisions.

• User-Centered Design: A commitment to promoting user-centered design and high-quality user experience across all digital products.

• Agile & Modern Delivery: Adoption of Agile and related software development lifecycle methodologies, with flexibility to adapt product practices to the organizational context.

• Strategic Portfolio Management: Implementing standardized product management processes, frameworks, and governance models for consistent prioritization, planning, and performance measurement.

• AI Integration: A forward-looking approach to incorporating practical and responsible AI capabilities into applications and technical programs.

Company Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-economic-development

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large government entity like the Commonwealth of Massachusetts implies a structured environment with established processes and a strong emphasis on public service. The EOED's mission to support economic growth suggests a focus on impactful digital solutions that benefit businesses and citizens. The role requires navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and adhering to public sector procurement and governance standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Director level, signifying a senior leadership position responsible for strategic direction and oversight of IT product management and portfolio operations across an entire executive office and its agencies. It requires a blend of strategic vision, hands-on execution guidance, and significant cross-functional leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Director will report to a senior executive within the EOED, likely a Chief Information Officer (CIO), Deputy Secretary for Technology, or a similar high-level executive responsible for IT and digital strategy. They will also work closely with agency Secretaries and Commissioners.

Operations Impact: The Director's work will directly influence the efficiency and effectiveness of economic development programs and services delivered to businesses and citizens across Massachusetts. By modernizing platforms, optimizing digital services, and strategically leveraging technology (including AI), this role will drive significant improvements in constituent experience, operational efficiency, and the ability of EOED agencies to achieve their economic growth mandates. This includes influencing investment decisions in technology that directly support the state's economic agenda.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into broader CIO or CTO roles within government, or senior executive positions focused on digital transformation across state agencies.

• Specialized Expertise Development: Deepen expertise in areas like public sector digital transformation, AI governance in government, or large-scale portfolio management.

• Cross-Agency Influence: Expand influence and leadership across multiple state agencies through successful collaboration and program delivery.

• Mentorship and Team Development: Opportunity to build and mentor a high-performing product management team, fostering the next generation of IT leaders within the Commonwealth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for impact within the public sector, allowing a leader to shape the digital future of economic development in a major state. The growth potential is significant, particularly for individuals who thrive in complex, mission-driven environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based at the EOED's main office in Boston, with a hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a professional office setting that facilitates collaboration and in-person strategic discussions.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. This is a central business district location, likely with good access to public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and the nature of the role necessitate strong collaboration with various stakeholders, including agency leaders, IT teams, and external partners. The office space is likely designed to support both focused work and team interactions.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard office productivity tools, communication platforms, and specific IT product management and portfolio management software will be essential. The role will likely involve leveraging a mix of enterprise-level systems and specialized product tools.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST.

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility in managing workdays between the office and remote locations, accommodating the need for focused analysis and strategic planning alongside collaborative meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect, offering flexibility while maintaining the need for in-person engagement in a professional government office environment. The focus on collaboration and strategic alignment across diverse agencies is central to the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes by HR and potentially an initial hiring manager call to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct hiring manager to delve deeper into experience with product strategy, portfolio management, and leadership capabilities, focusing on operational experience and strategic thinking.

• Panel Interview: Likely involves interviews with key stakeholders, including agency leadership, IT directors from various agencies, and potentially representatives from EOTSS. This stage will assess cross-functional collaboration skills, understanding of public sector challenges, and strategic vision.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, or to work through a case study related to product strategy, portfolio prioritization, or AI integration in a public sector context. This will evaluate practical application of skills and strategic problem-solving.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive (e.g., Secretary, Deputy Secretary) to assess cultural fit, long-term vision, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Alignment: Clearly articulate how your past projects and strategies have directly contributed to organizational goals, especially in areas like efficiency, service improvement, or economic impact.

• Process Optimization: Showcase examples of establishing or refining product management processes, governance structures, or portfolio management frameworks. Quantify improvements where possible.

• System Modernization & AI: Highlight experience with application modernization, enterprise platform management, and the practical, responsible integration of AI technologies. Detail the challenges and outcomes.

• Stakeholder Management: Provide examples of successful collaboration and communication with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, technical teams, and external partners.

• Results-Oriented: Focus on quantifiable achievements and the impact of your work. Use metrics to demonstrate success in areas like user adoption, operational efficiency, cost savings, or service delivery improvements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing an enterprise product strategy for a diverse set of agencies with varying needs.

• Portfolio Prioritization: Practice articulating your framework for prioritizing a portfolio of IT initiatives given limited resources and competing demands.

• AI Use Case Evaluation: Think through the process of evaluating and recommending AI applications within a government context, considering feasibility, ethics, and impact.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage relationships and drive alignment with different departments, agencies, and external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be thorough, reflecting the senior leadership nature of the role and the public sector environment. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills. A well-curated portfolio that highlights relevant achievements is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for backlog management, sprint planning, and documentation.

• Portfolio Management Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Planview, Clarity, ServiceNow SPM, or similar for enterprise-level portfolio planning, resource management, and financial tracking.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace for daily operations, communication, and document sharing.

• CRM & Case Management Systems: Understanding of how CRM (e.g., Salesforce) or specialized case management systems are used to support constituent services and agency operations, and how product strategy impacts them.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, Qlik Sense, or similar for creating dashboards, analyzing performance data, and generating insights for product strategy and portfolio review.

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with Google Analytics or similar tools for tracking user behavior on public-facing digital platforms.

• Data Warehousing & ETL Concepts: Understanding of data infrastructure and processes that support robust analytics and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• Workflow Automation Tools: Experience with platforms like ServiceNow, Zapier, or custom-built solutions to automate business processes and improve operational efficiency.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Concepts: Understanding of how ERP systems integrate various business functions, and how IT products can support or interface with them.

• Integration Platforms: Familiarity with concepts of API-driven integrations and middleware solutions that connect disparate systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a broad understanding of enterprise IT tools, with a particular emphasis on product and portfolio management software, analytics platforms, and collaboration suites. Familiarity with government-specific systems or common enterprise solutions like Salesforce and ServiceNow would be advantageous. The integration of AI will likely involve understanding platforms or tools that support AI model deployment and management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service Excellence: A core commitment to serving the citizens of Massachusetts by delivering high-quality, efficient, and accessible digital services.

• Equity and Inclusion: A dedication to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful work environment, reflecting the diversity of the Commonwealth.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on evidence, data, and analytics to inform strategic choices, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in product development and portfolio management.

• Collaboration and Partnership: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively across agencies, with internal teams, and with external stakeholders to achieve shared goals and leverage collective expertise.

• Innovation and Responsible AI: An openness to exploring and implementing innovative solutions, including practical and responsible AI capabilities, to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

• Efficiency and Optimization: A drive to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and ensure the effective and responsible use of taxpayer funds.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to integrating product strategy and portfolio management efforts with the operational needs and technical capabilities of various EOED agencies and EOTSS.

• Transparent Communication: Open and honest communication with all stakeholders, including agency leadership, program directors, technical teams, vendors, and end-users, to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of products, processes, and team dynamics.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and insights across different agencies and teams to foster a learning organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is shaped by public service mandates, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a drive for efficient, data-informed operations. Collaboration is paramount given the multi-agency structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Bureaucracy and Legacy Systems: Balancing the need for modern digital solutions with the complexities of public sector procurement, established processes, and potentially aging IT infrastructure across multiple agencies.

• Securing Buy-in and Alignment: Garnering consensus and commitment for product strategies and portfolio investments from diverse agency leaders with varying priorities and levels of technical understanding.

• Integrating AI Responsibly: Implementing AI capabilities in a way that is ethical, secure, privacy-compliant, and genuinely beneficial, while managing potential risks and public perception.

• Resource Constraints: Optimizing the allocation of limited budgets and personnel resources across a broad portfolio of initiatives to maximize impact.

• Measuring Impact in the Public Sector: Developing robust metrics and demonstrating ROI for IT investments in a context where outcomes may be long-term or qualitative.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Public Sector Digital Transformation: Gaining deep experience in driving digital transformation within a large, complex government entity.

• AI Governance and Ethics: Developing expertise in the strategic and ethical considerations of AI deployment in public services.

• Enterprise Portfolio Management: Mastering advanced techniques for managing large-scale IT portfolios, including financial oversight and risk management.

• Cross-Agency Leadership: Hone leadership skills by influencing and collaborating across multiple distinct organizations within the Commonwealth.

• Policy and Programmatic Impact: Understanding how IT strategy directly supports and enables economic development policies and programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in large-scale government IT initiatives, but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and impact. Success will require adept navigation of systemic complexities and a strategic, people-centric approach.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing an enterprise product strategy for a diverse set of agencies within an executive office. How would you ensure alignment with both central strategic goals and agency-specific needs?" (Focus on strategic frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven prioritization.)

• "How would you prioritize a portfolio of IT modernization projects, including those involving AI, when faced with competing demands and limited resources? Walk us through your decision-making process and criteria." (Prepare to discuss prioritization matrices, ROI analysis, risk assessment, and stakeholder alignment.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' economic development initiatives, and how do you see IT product strategy supporting these goals?" (Research EOED's mission, key programs, and recent initiatives.)

• "This role requires extensive collaboration across multiple agencies and with EOTSS. Describe a challenging situation where you had to align disparate stakeholders with conflicting priorities and how you resolved it." (Prepare a STAR method response focusing on communication, negotiation, and consensus-building.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key themes like "Product Strategy Development," "Portfolio Management," "Application Modernization," and "AI Integration." For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, the solution implemented, and the quantifiable results.

• Metrics Focus: Highlight key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to product success, such as user adoption rates, efficiency gains, cost savings, service level improvements, or constituent satisfaction scores.

• Process Articulation: Be prepared to walk through your methodologies for product discovery, roadmap planning, prioritization, and stakeholder management. Explain why you chose certain processes or tools.

• AI Case Studies: If you have experience with AI, clearly explain the use case, the technology involved, any ethical or governance considerations addressed, and the impact.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your information clearly and concisely, focusing on the most impactful projects and achievements. Tailor your presentation to resonate with the public sector context and EOED's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, a deep understanding of product and portfolio management, and the ability to navigate the unique challenges of the public sector, including responsible AI adoption and cross-agency collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Taleo career portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your experience in product strategy, portfolio management, application modernization, and/or AI integration. Prepare concise summaries or visual aids that highlight your role, the challenges, your strategic approach, and measurable outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in product leadership, strategic planning, portfolio oversight, cross-functional team management, and any relevant public sector or economic development exposure. Use keywords from the job description such as "product strategy," "portfolio management," "application modernization," and "AI."

• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate potential case study questions or portfolio presentation requirements. Practice outlining your approach to common scenarios like prioritizing a backlog or evaluating a new technology initiative.

• Research EOED: Thoroughly research the Executive Office of Economic Development's mission, its agencies, and current economic development priorities in Massachusetts. Understand how technology and product strategy can support these objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.