Director, Certification Product Strategy

Location: Lake Mary, FL (Hybrid)
Department: Global Certifications
Position Type: Full-Time

About The IIA

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is the global leader and recognized authority for the internal audit profession, serving professionals across more than 170 countries.

We advance the profession worldwide through education, advocacy, certifications, research, and professional resources. Guided by our values of People First, Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation, we offer a collaborative, purpose-driven workplace where employees can grow professionally while making a global impact.

Why Join The IIA?

Help shape the future of professional certifications that support career advancement and strengthen governance, risk management, and internal control worldwide.

As Director, Certification Product Strategy, you will lead strategic initiatives across The IIA's certification portfolio, influence product innovation, guide high-performing teams, and collaborate with senior leadership to drive sustainable growth.

This is an opportunity to combine strategic thinking, product leadership, financial oversight, and operational excellence within a global, mission-driven organization.

Position Summary

The IIA is seeking an experienced Director, Certification Product Strategy to lead the strategic direction, market positioning, and performance of its global certification product portfolio.

This leadership role oversees certification product strategy, market research, portfolio financial performance, product communications, and the technology supporting certification delivery. You will lead product strategy and technical operations teams through their managers, align cross-functional priorities, and translate customer and market insights into actionable product strategies.

The ideal candidate brings strong product and portfolio management experience, financial acumen, technical operations knowledge, and a proven ability to lead managers and influence senior stakeholders.

What You'll Do

Product Strategy & Market Insights

Develop and execute a long-term strategy and vision for The IIA's certification product portfolio.
Lead market research and customer intelligence initiatives to identify opportunities for new certifications, product enhancements, and portfolio growth.
Translate market trends, customer needs, and competitive insights into strategic product decisions.
Guide product positioning, priorities, and strategic initiatives to support sustained growth.

Portfolio Performance & Technical Operations

Oversee certification portfolio performance, including financial forecasting, revenue trends, variance analysis, and performance against targets.
Coordinate resources, timelines, and priorities across multiple teams to ensure successful execution of portfolio initiatives.
Lead technical operations through team managers, establishing clear priorities, performance expectations, and accountability.
Oversee certification delivery technology strategy, system enhancements, and the reliable execution of core operational processes.
Use performance data and business insights to identify risks, recommend improvements, and support informed decision-making.

Communications & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Direct external communications for certification launches, product updates, policy changes, and program enhancements.
Ensure certification-related communications are clear, consistent, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities.
Partner with Marketing, Institute Relations, Chapter Engagement, and other internal teams on product development, go-to-market strategies, and campaigns.
Collaborate with senior leadership to address business challenges, align strategic priorities, and achieve organizational objectives.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead and develop high-performing product strategy and technical operations teams through their managers.
Coach and mentor managers, strengthen leadership capabilities, and promote accountability.
Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, results-driven culture.
Guide teams through changing priorities and complex business challenges while maintaining focus on strategic outcomes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Education, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in product management, product strategy, or portfolio leadership, including at least 3 years leading people managers.
Demonstrated success developing and executing multi-year product strategies informed by market research and customer insights.
Experience managing product portfolio financial performance, including forecasting, variance analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
Experience leading cross-functional teams, including technical operations and distributed or offshore team structures.
Working knowledge of certification and exam delivery operations or assessment technology sufficient to oversee technology strategy.
Strong financial, analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, analytics and data visualization tools, and product or project management platforms.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, executive presence, and the ability to influence senior leadership.
Ability to translate strategic objectives into prioritized execution plans and lead teams through ambiguity.
Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and a customer-centric leadership approach.

Preferred Qualifications

MBA or master's degree in a related discipline.
Professional certification such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or another credentialing or assessment-related certification.
Product strategy or portfolio leadership experience within certification, credentialing, education, or professional services.
Experience supporting global certification programs, assessment platforms, or professional credentialing products.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Director, Certification Product Strategy