Product Manager

Competitive Compensation & Benefits Package * 401(k) with Profit Sharing * Flexible Time Off * Office Dog!!

ABOUT US

By combining our unparalleled domain expertise with leading-edge technology, Ad Astra is helping higher education in its mission to advance timely student completions. We are building a cloud-based software platform that will provide the foundation for our next generation of industry-leading solutions and analytics. Simply put, we're helping students graduate faster.

OUR CORE VALUES

• We recognize talent. We recognize and appreciate the unique God-given talents that our people bring to Ad Astra. Aligning these individual gifts with our work sets team members up to succeed.
• We’re unpretentious. There’s no room for ego. We admit our imperfections and have the humility to know what we don’t know.
• We’re passionate. We aren’t satisfied with the status quo. We’re on a mission together to protect the value of degree completion and to transform the higher education industry.
• We’re pioneering. We’re pioneering and aren’t afraid of failing—in fact, we celebrate it. We love it when our people boldly experiment with innovative solutions.
• We love fun. The health of our relationships is strengthened by working with people who stretch our thinking—and by enjoying the lighter side of life together. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we do take fun seriously.

POSITION SUMMARY

Ad Astra is seeking a forward-thinking Product Manager with experience in AI to lead the inclusion of data-driven and intelligence capabilities across our software platform. This role will be responsible for transforming complex data into actionable intelligence that empowers higher education institutions to make smarter and more effective scheduling decisions.

As the Product Manager, you will define how intelligence enhances our core scheduling, optimization, and planning products, driving innovation in predictive analytics, automation, and decision support. You will collaborate closely with engineering, design, and data science teams to shape product strategy, prioritize initiatives, and ensure the successful delivery of high-value, scalable solutions that improve institutional efficiency and student outcomes.

The ideal candidate combines deep product management expertise with a passion for leveraging data and emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges in education. This role requires strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong ability to translate technical capabilities into client value and measurable business outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prioritizes understanding customer problems through direct engagement, research, and testing.
• Measures success by business or customer outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, revenue, retention) rather than output (e.g. number of features shipped).
• Invests heavily in product discovery—Uses techniques like prototypes, experiments, and usability testing to identify and reduce risk.
• Works closely with design, engineering, and data teams. Facilitate shared understanding and decision-making across disciplines.
• Leverages data, user feedback, stakeholder, and market insights to inform decisions.
• Can zoom out to define product vision and strategy and zoom in to manage sprint-level execution. Understands the business model and competitive landscape.
• Influences without direct control—motivates teams through vision, clarity, and trust.
• Stays current with product best practices, tools, and methodologies.
• Communicates product decisions, rationale, and progress clearly to stakeholders - Crafts compelling narratives around product vision and user value.
• Cares deeply about the quality of the product experience. Advocates for thoughtful design, performance, and usability.
• Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or design-related field, or equivalent experience
• Four plus years’ proven experience planning and delivering complex products
• Highly organized and system-based Product Manager with strong product lead experience
• Strong collaborator and coalition builder with the demonstrative ability to align and influence diverse leaders and stakeholders
• Conceptional and strategic thinker who can distill complex ideas into clear, actionable plans
• Thrives in fast-moving environments and makes sound decisions amid ambiguity
• Experienced with the evolving landscape of continuously deployed SaaS products
• Driven by a passion for designing products that delight and make a measurable difference for users
• Limited travel as necessary

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

• Problem Solving
• Collaborative Communication
• Public speaking/presenting
• Strategic thinking
• Data informed decision making

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with Silicon Valley Product Group methodology
• Familiarity with Jira
• Familiarity with ProductBoard
• Familiarity with Figma/XD or similar

This is an in-office position in Overland Park, KS. Ad Astra does not pay for relocation expenses.

Ad Astra is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and fairness—regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, political affiliation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Please note that Ad Astra is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position.