Product Owner- Research Administration (SaaS)

Keller Executive Search; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote within the United States

Job summary

Keller Executive Search is seeking a Product Owner to support a software platform managing complex research administration workflows. You will synthesize institutional requirements, user feedback, and product direction into actionable backlog items for engineering and design teams.

The role sits at the intersection of customer needs and product execution. You will collaborate with Product Management, Engineering, Design, and customer-facing teams to ensure solutions address real-world needs and

Qualifications

• Translate complex requirements into clear user stories and acceptance criteria.
• Own and maintain the product backlog and priorities.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, and customer-facing teams to deliver value.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the product backlog, ensuring priorities are clear and aligned with objectives.
• Translate feedback and requirements into well-defined user stories and acceptance criteria.
• Partner with engineering and design to clarify requirements and support delivery.

Skills

Backlog management

Agile methodologies

User stories

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Distributed teams

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Business/CS/Info Systems background

Tools

Jira

Job description

Our client is a growing software company serving organizations across the higher education and research ecosystem. Its solutions help institutions streamline complex administrative processes, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the burden on faculty and staff.

The company is entering its next phase of growth and is making continued investments in its product and technology capabilities.

About the Role

We are seeking a Product Owner to support a software platform used to manage complex research administration workflows.

This role sits at the intersection of customer needs and product execution. You will translate institutional requirements, user feedback, and product priorities into a clear, actionable backlog that enables engineering and design teams to deliver meaningful improvements for customers.

You will work closely with Product Management, Engineering, Design, and customer-facing teams to ensure solutions address real-world needs while supporting broader product objectives.

This opportunity is well suited to someone who understands research administration environments and enjoys turning complex processes and requirements into practical software solutions.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Own and maintain the product backlog, ensuring priorities are clear, actionable, and aligned with product objectives
• Translate customer feedback, institutional requirements, and product direction into well-defined user stories and acceptance criteria
• Partner closely with engineering and design throughout the development process to clarify requirements and support effective delivery
• Collaborate with Product Management to refine priorities, evaluate opportunities, and validate product outcomes
• Participate in release planning, sprint reviews, retrospectives, and other Agile ceremonies
• Represent customer and user needs within the delivery team
• Develop a strong understanding of research administration workflows and identify opportunities to improve the user experience
• Help balance customer needs, technical considerations, business priorities, and delivery constraints
• Use product data, customer feedback, and other available insights to inform prioritization and evaluate outcomesContribute to continuous improvement in product development processes and team effectiveness

Additional Details

• Remote within the United States
• Occasional travel may be required

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 3+ years of experience in product ownership, business analysis, software delivery, or a related role
• Professional experience with research administration, either within a software organization or in a university, research institution, laboratory, sponsored programs office, or related environment
• Strong understanding of Agile software development practices and backlog management
• Experience translating complex workflows, customer feedback, and business requirements into clear user stories, acceptance criteria, and actionable requirements
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, product, design, and customer-facing teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and broader product objectives
• Experience working effectively with distributed teams

Preferred Experience

• Experience with SaaS or enterprise software serving higher education, research institutions, or other complex organizations
• Familiarity with research administration, grant management, ERP, HRIS, financial, or other enterprise systems
• Understanding of compliance and administrative requirements commonly encountered by research institutions
• Experience using product management, backlog management, and collaboration tools
• Comfort working with product data and metrics to support prioritization and decision-making

Base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $125,000 (based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors).

The company offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including health and retirement programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.