What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Director, Product Innovation position at Consumer Technology Association?
Basic Function of the Position:
The Sr. Director of Product Innovation is responsible for leading the association’s Innovation Team and driving the evaluation and launch of new products and services that diversify the organization’s revenue streams and advance CTA’s mission.
This role product leadership, strategic analysis, and organizational design. In addition to evaluating and launching new products, the Sr. Director will establish the frameworks, processes, and decision structures that enable disciplined, evidence-based go/no-go decisions for new products.
The Sr. Director will work closely with internal teams, external partners, and senior leadership to identify opportunities, test ideas, and translate validated concepts into scalable offerings.
Critical Duties and Responsibilities:
Product Evaluation
- Identify and prioritize new product and service opportunities aligned with CTA’s mission
- Conduct market, member, and stakeholder discovery to validate unmet needs
- Test willingness to pay, adoption potential, and competitive differentiation
Governance
- Design, implement, and maintain standardized product evaluation frameworks
- Define evaluation criteria, success metrics, and kill thresholds
- Prepare evidence-based recommendations to support go/no-go decisions by leadership and the board
- Ensure decisions are timely, transparent, and grounded in data
Pilots & Launches
- Lead the design and execution of pilots and proofs of concept
- Oversee business model development, pricing strategy, and cost analysis
- Track pilot performance and iterate based on results
- Define handoff plans for successful products, including long-term ownership
- Establish governance, funding, and performance expectations
- Support transition to operating teams while retaining advisory oversight
Team Leadership
- Manage external contractors, consultants, and subject-matter experts
- Manage the Innovation Team’s budget responsibly
- Partner with internal teams, including Market Intelligence, Finance, Legal, and Marketing
- Build trust and alignment across a consensus-driven organization
- Serve as an internal advisor on product strategy and innovation practices
Work Experience:
- Required: 15 years of experience in product development, innovation, strategy, or new business creation
- Preferred: Experience in associations, trade shows, or professional services; Familiarity with membership-based or industry-facing business models
Education/Training:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, economics or management or comparable work-related experience required.
- MBA or Master’s degree in economics, analytics, or related fields preferred.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suites required.
Skills/Capabilities/Technical:
- Demonstrated experience evaluating and launching new products or services
- Strong analytical and business case development skills
- Experience designing decision frameworks, evaluation models, or stage-gate processes
- Proven ability to manage ambiguity and make recommendations with incomplete information
- Experience managing vendors, consultants, or external partners
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations
Budget and Staff:
- Responsible for management of Innovation Team budget.