Associate Director, Product Management - Legal
FINRA, Rockville, MD, United States
The Associate Director, Product Management leads a product team (typically 2-3) responsible for a specific product or set of products. This role works with a high level of autonomy and discretion. Responsibilities include leading the team’s research and product development efforts as well as implementation and execution of the product strategy, as well as managing and developing their team members. In addition, this role manages the various stakeholders and removes barriers for the team. Although the associate director manages a team and its work on a set of products, they may also have responsibility for their own products and all strategic and tactical work associated with designing and delivering the products within scope of responsibility.
Essential Job Functions
People Management Establishes network within FINRA, begins to build internal and external networks
Demonstrates understanding of performance bar and effectively applies to hiring decisions
Effectively sets expectations and builds robust launch plans for new team members
Provides regular coaching and feedback to direct reports to help grow individual functional skills and leadership capability, with support from senior managers
Works with cross-functional leaders and experts to establish best practices and identify opportunities to improve the product development and delivery process
Sets goals for individuals to achieve team or function level goals
Continuously improves their knowledge of performance improvement management and holds team members accountable for performance
Provides input into resource planning discussions
People Strategy
Understands and communicates vision for team members
Assesses behaviors and coaches direct reports to demonstrate FINRA values and PM behaviors in their role
Identify talent needs to enable execution of product strategy
User Insight & Product Definition
Develops deep understanding of the business and product areas within the product group, as well as the relevant data that can be used to inform key decisions
Defines multiple products and/or complex products and identifies gaps and user needs by creating vision, strategy, and requirements documents for product(s)
Utilizes available data or commissions new research to identify user needs
Performs experiments and organizes primary research to uncover additional user value
Product Portfolio Management
Develops, manages, and owns the product roadmap for multiple products and/or complex products
Makes trade-off decisions for multiple products in a product group
Demonstrates expertise across multiple products which facilitates discovery and drives enterprise capabilities
Builds partnerships with relevant stakeholder teams
Coordinates with interdependent teams and influences leadership to drive efficiencies
Builds and leverages solid working relationships with business and product stakeholders, UI/UX, architecture, and technology teams to facilitate product and user success
Participates in the intake process for their product domain
Product Planning & Prioritization
Leads the product planning process across multiple products and/or complex products by overseeing the development of requirements documents (user stories, acceptance criteria, use cases) for products or product releases
Maintains a prioritized backlog based on defined user value, aligning with product strategy and resource capacity; uses data and analytics to prioritize the product backlog appropriately
Works closely with UI/UX to set the direction for the design of the user experience for their products
Determines and monitors release goals, prioritization, implementation, and iteration plans for their products according to user value
Resolves problems that are escalated during the process
Product Development
Facilitates the development process by reviewing demos with the technology team and validating acceptance criteria for multiple products and/or complex products
Provides UX/UI approval for the assigned products
Tracks the development work and drives resolution of escalated issues and bugs for their products
Identifies issues that will keep their products from delivering on time or at the right level of quality, assesses alternatives to resolve, builds a plan for resolution, and directly resolves or communicates to leadership
Launch
Leads large and sometimes highly complex product launches by working with relevant stakeholders to develop launch plans
Identifies, reviews, and resolves issues and blockers in partnership with team members that may delay the launch or impede the success of product(s)
Coordinates formal UAT where necessary
Develops product documentation and training materials for users in support of product launches
Tracks and reports on product launch metrics, utilizing feedback to drive associated actions and product iteration
Leads post-launch reviews and drives incorporation of feedback in future product releases
Operate
Works with internal and external teams and users to identify, classify, and resolve product and product group-level user issues
Identifies new and innovative methods and metrics for tracking product success, works with the technology team to improve reports and monitoring
Works with stakeholder teams to actively monitor metrics
Tracks performance trends and gathers user feedback to determine product group-level gaps, development opportunities, and if necessary, product end-of-life plans
Represents team in product group-level discussions with stakeholders
Attends business reviews, providing critical input and expert insights to inform the business cases, business strategy, and development of new products
Team Development & Continuous Improvement
Provides coaching and guidance to more junior-level product management team members
Works with cross-functional leaders and experts to establish best practices and identify opportunities to improve the product development and delivery process
Follow, understand, and apply relevant industry trends, research, and best practices in technology and product management
Demonstration of FINRA’s values.
Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.
Other Responsibilities
Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Education/Experience Requirements Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Communications, or related field (or equivalent work experience in a related field)
7 years of experience in one or more of the following: product management, project management, business analysis, program management, or product marketing
5 years of experience in product and/or experience management
Strong writing ability
Strong business acumen
Experience with Agile software development
Experience working cross-functionally in a large organization
Experience working closely with senior leadership
Experience translating data into quantifiable actions/deliverables
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Business Administration or similar advanced degree
CSPO Certification
2 years of supervisory/management experience
Experience in the Financial Services industry
Strong financial acumen
Experience collaborating closely with senior leadership
Experience providing guidance and direction to cross-functional resources
Working Conditions
Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
Extended hours may be required.
Note: Salary ranges are provided where applicable and are subject to final determination based on location and other factors. See full posting for details.
To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.
FINRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected category, including race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex, or any other status or classification protected by state or local law.
FINRA abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) regarding disability and protected veteran affirmative action. FINRA is committed to accessibility and provides accommodations in the application process upon request.
©2026 FINRA. All rights reserved.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Essential Job Functions
People Management Establishes network within FINRA, begins to build internal and external networks
Demonstrates understanding of performance bar and effectively applies to hiring decisions
Effectively sets expectations and builds robust launch plans for new team members
Provides regular coaching and feedback to direct reports to help grow individual functional skills and leadership capability, with support from senior managers
Works with cross-functional leaders and experts to establish best practices and identify opportunities to improve the product development and delivery process
Sets goals for individuals to achieve team or function level goals
Continuously improves their knowledge of performance improvement management and holds team members accountable for performance
Provides input into resource planning discussions
People Strategy
Understands and communicates vision for team members
Assesses behaviors and coaches direct reports to demonstrate FINRA values and PM behaviors in their role
Identify talent needs to enable execution of product strategy
User Insight & Product Definition
Develops deep understanding of the business and product areas within the product group, as well as the relevant data that can be used to inform key decisions
Defines multiple products and/or complex products and identifies gaps and user needs by creating vision, strategy, and requirements documents for product(s)
Utilizes available data or commissions new research to identify user needs
Performs experiments and organizes primary research to uncover additional user value
Product Portfolio Management
Develops, manages, and owns the product roadmap for multiple products and/or complex products
Makes trade-off decisions for multiple products in a product group
Demonstrates expertise across multiple products which facilitates discovery and drives enterprise capabilities
Builds partnerships with relevant stakeholder teams
Coordinates with interdependent teams and influences leadership to drive efficiencies
Builds and leverages solid working relationships with business and product stakeholders, UI/UX, architecture, and technology teams to facilitate product and user success
Participates in the intake process for their product domain
Product Planning & Prioritization
Leads the product planning process across multiple products and/or complex products by overseeing the development of requirements documents (user stories, acceptance criteria, use cases) for products or product releases
Maintains a prioritized backlog based on defined user value, aligning with product strategy and resource capacity; uses data and analytics to prioritize the product backlog appropriately
Works closely with UI/UX to set the direction for the design of the user experience for their products
Determines and monitors release goals, prioritization, implementation, and iteration plans for their products according to user value
Resolves problems that are escalated during the process
Product Development
Facilitates the development process by reviewing demos with the technology team and validating acceptance criteria for multiple products and/or complex products
Provides UX/UI approval for the assigned products
Tracks the development work and drives resolution of escalated issues and bugs for their products
Identifies issues that will keep their products from delivering on time or at the right level of quality, assesses alternatives to resolve, builds a plan for resolution, and directly resolves or communicates to leadership
Launch
Leads large and sometimes highly complex product launches by working with relevant stakeholders to develop launch plans
Identifies, reviews, and resolves issues and blockers in partnership with team members that may delay the launch or impede the success of product(s)
Coordinates formal UAT where necessary
Develops product documentation and training materials for users in support of product launches
Tracks and reports on product launch metrics, utilizing feedback to drive associated actions and product iteration
Leads post-launch reviews and drives incorporation of feedback in future product releases
Operate
Works with internal and external teams and users to identify, classify, and resolve product and product group-level user issues
Identifies new and innovative methods and metrics for tracking product success, works with the technology team to improve reports and monitoring
Works with stakeholder teams to actively monitor metrics
Tracks performance trends and gathers user feedback to determine product group-level gaps, development opportunities, and if necessary, product end-of-life plans
Represents team in product group-level discussions with stakeholders
Attends business reviews, providing critical input and expert insights to inform the business cases, business strategy, and development of new products
Team Development & Continuous Improvement
Provides coaching and guidance to more junior-level product management team members
Works with cross-functional leaders and experts to establish best practices and identify opportunities to improve the product development and delivery process
Follow, understand, and apply relevant industry trends, research, and best practices in technology and product management
Demonstration of FINRA’s values.
Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.
Other Responsibilities
Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Education/Experience Requirements Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Communications, or related field (or equivalent work experience in a related field)
7 years of experience in one or more of the following: product management, project management, business analysis, program management, or product marketing
5 years of experience in product and/or experience management
Strong writing ability
Strong business acumen
Experience with Agile software development
Experience working cross-functionally in a large organization
Experience working closely with senior leadership
Experience translating data into quantifiable actions/deliverables
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Business Administration or similar advanced degree
CSPO Certification
2 years of supervisory/management experience
Experience in the Financial Services industry
Strong financial acumen
Experience collaborating closely with senior leadership
Experience providing guidance and direction to cross-functional resources
Working Conditions
Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
Extended hours may be required.
Note: Salary ranges are provided where applicable and are subject to final determination based on location and other factors. See full posting for details.
To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.
FINRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected category, including race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex, or any other status or classification protected by state or local law.
FINRA abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) regarding disability and protected veteran affirmative action. FINRA is committed to accessibility and provides accommodations in the application process upon request.
©2026 FINRA. All rights reserved.
#J-18808-Ljbffr