[Job-Discussions] FW: Position Opening - Product Specialist

[Richard Rueda]

This is a hybrid position for applicants in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, remote for all other states.


From: Ryan Ward <rward at aph.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2023 8:32 AM
Subject: Position Opening - Product Specialist

[A logo with text on it  Description automatically generated]
Product Specialist
Who is American Printing House for the Blind?

Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and low vision.

There's no other place like it.  Creating things that make a real difference in people's lives is what we do.

Mission: A world leader in empowering people who are blind or low vision by providing accessible and innovative products, materials, and services for lifelong success.

ABIDE: Here at the American Printing House for the Blind, we live by the motto, "Welcome Everyone".  Many modern organizations value diversity and inclusion: we choose to go further, understanding that more must be done to foster a sense of belonging in our institution.  To that end, we are committed to advancing accessibility and belonging, as well as inclusion, diversity, and equity in all aspects of our workspace, and to enriching our company with our distinct life experiences.



Position Overview

Playing a crucial role in the development of new or improved products specifically designed for the education of blind or low vision K-12 students and adults in the United States, this individual will contribute to the product development process by conducting research, leading focus groups, supporting expert reviews, analyzing data, preparing presentations, writing or copy-editing user guides and manuals, and creating other content for new products.  Reporting to the Director of Product Development, the Product Specialist will generally work under the guidance of a Product Manager, while also exercising independent discretion in tasks such as conducting product ideation reviews.

This is a hybrid position for applicants in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, remote for all other states.



Major Duties and Responsibilities

*         Work independently or in collaboration with others to support the development or modernization of APH products, typically under the supervision of an APH product manager.

*         Design surveys or lead focus groups with stakeholders to gather feedback and insights for product development.

*         Under general supervision, ensure adherence to accessibility standards and educational requirements.

*         Independently analyze data from sales, user feedback, market research, and other sources to inform product development decisions.

*         Prepare compelling presentations to communicate product concepts, updates, and findings to internal teams and external stakeholders.

*         Organize, edit, and update content for APH products, including user guides, manuals, web content, video scripts and webinars for clarity, accuracy, and accessibility.

*         Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate content for new products, ensuring it aligns with educational guidelines and addresses specific needs of blind or low vision students.

*         Exercise independent discretion in conducting product ideation reviews, providing valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

*         Stay informed about advancements in braille, tactile graphics, product management, process improvement, data analysis, or other technical knowledge relevant to the field.

*         Assist with the development of new or modernized APH products by creating user stories.

*         Support the development and maintenance of APH product development roadmaps.

*         Correspond with expert reviewers, field testers, graphic designers, consultants, teachers, and Ex Officio Trustees.

*         Represent APH at conferences, trade shows, and other events, presenting information about products and engaging with potential customers and partners.

*         Ability to travel up to 10 days per year.



Education, Training, and Experience Requirements

  *   Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., writing, communication, education, assistive technology, product management) or equivalent practical experience.
  *   Proven experience in product development, research, or related role, preferably in the field of educational products for blind or low vision individuals.
  *   Specialized technical knowledge in areas such as braille, tactile graphics, product management, curriculum development, process improvement, or data analysis is highly desirable.
  *   Familiarity with accessibility guidelines, standards, and best practices for blind or visually impaired learners.
  *   Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and user feedback to drive product improvements.
  *   Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of effectively conveying complex ideas to diverse audiences.
  *   Attention to detail and ability to perform copy editing and review tasks with accuracy and efficiency.
  *   Self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
  *   Passion for improving educational opportunities and experiences for blind or visually impaired students and adults.
  *   Experience with screen readers (such as JAWS, NVDA) is a plus, but not required.
  *   Must have an advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Must have working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, SharePoint, Teams, Zoom, and internet browsers.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Grade: 7E | $48,500 - $60,250 | Salary is negotiable dependent upon experience.
Benefits include but are not limited to:

  *   Accessible, Diverse, and Inclusive Workforce
  *   Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer
  *   Health Insurance covered at 80% for employees - plans include family planning benefits
  *   HSA Plan and FSA Plan - both include company contribution!
  *   Competitive Dental and Vision Plans
  *   Health and Well-being initiatives
  *   401(k) Plans with company match and immediate vesting
  *   Company provided Short Term Disability
  *   Basic Life Insurance at no cost to employees
  *   Voluntary Life Insurance with Accidental Death and Disability
  *   4 weeks PTO
  *   11 Paid Holidays
  *   Educational Assistance and Professional Development Opportunities
  *   Optional Hybrid Work Schedule
  *   Voluntary Pet Insurance

How to Apply
After informing their supervisor, APH employees may apply for open positions if they have completed six (6) months of active service in their current position and are performing in a satisfactory manner.

To apply: Login to Paycom, click on "Job Opportunities" under "Company Information", and scroll to find the position.  If you have trouble accessing the application through Paycom, please contact Ryan Ward at rward at aph.org<mailto:rward at aph.org>.

APH is a drug-free workplace.   An offer of employment is conditioned upon successfully passing a drug screening test.
American Printing House for the Blind provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to disability status, race, color, religion, age, genetics, protected veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, political affiliation, or other non-merit-based factors protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Disability/EOE/AA/M/F/Vet Employer


Sincerely,

[APH logo with 3 colored squares]
Ryan J. Ward, MBA (he/him/his) Why I List My Pronouns<https://medium.com/gender-inclusivit/why-i-put-pronouns-on-my-email-signature-and-linkedin-profile-and-you-should-too-d3dc942c8743#id_token=eyJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiIsImtpZCI6ImQwMWMxYWJlMjQ5MjY5ZjcyZWY3Y2EyNjEzYTg2YzlmMDVlNTk1NjciLCJ0eXAiOiJKV1QifQ.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.dkfpNl3DefVXAoVvxYm1GH-HsMQPSmxJSIhyc94sQLk5ApU5ItaDBkjALrjuhxmshosVwHvah91HPc0uGmM1EwCF2rdKS7e_QOWFduKVx397GFQLYAxKiu_6E9B2NC4nqwYmHE2K6Z-pP5LPxoryzt4GhXUxC422Xvay-Caq4_RPS-BGh2ToahtQD1k0jVbw8cVF7OxDl4rCBuDXHxXb8qA48_gRMop26JNtuvZprcbE-YrWzbBL7XePrtRDyAEGlChgQ_zQYzwnFBLIRXw-XSpTgmRhFLuwzr8uvFVMg8oZS6Tr7DOJoE-LzOZ1KWJEqsoI21Suwq4Ssg8a5HgXYQ>
HR Administrator
American Printing House for the Blind
502.515.9141 * 502.899.2237 (fax)
1839 Frankfort Avenue * Louisville, KY 40206
rward at aph.org<mailto:rward at aph.org> * aph.org<http://aph.org/> * aphmuseum.org<https://aphmuseum.org/>


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