Product Specialist, Bureau of Enterprise Technology Business Solutions

The Bureau of Enterprise Technology Business Solutions provides project management, business analysis, vendor management and product support services to define and deliver IT solutions that meet the business needs of our partners throughout the agency. Bureau staff collaborate across the agency to conduct core business analyses of operations and recommend the most appropriate IT solutions; lead the IT governance process from project intake through the entire software development lifecycle; lead efforts in technology contracting and procurement processes; implement products in secure, flexible and scalable infrastructure; and provide Level 2 product support for all IT systems.

The IT Product Specialist will apply rigorous investigative and analytical techniques to define, prioritize, and drive the development of IT products that directly enable and enhance core program duties. This role is focused on maximizing long-term user value and measurable program impact.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Conduct continuous user research and analysis. Studies industry best practices, user feedback, and technical literature to define the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for major IT platforms or services.
- Conduct in-depth research to understand user pain points, business needs, and regulatory requirements to address the product backlog and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the product's success.
- Systematically evaluate product metrics, usage data, and user acceptance testing results to ensure the product is achieving its desired outcomes and supporting the program duties effectively.
- Create and update Topologies for supported Primary and integrated applications.
- Present Topologies at the Architecture Review Board (ARB) Meetings for approval / feedback.
- Conduct meetings with impacted teams for issue resolution and for providing updates on minor enhancements.
- Act as the primary liaison between technical teams (Developers) and business stakeholders (Program Teams), ensuring the product backlog reflects the highest value work and aligns with agency-wide technological and program priorities.
- Collaborate with the IT Security / OTI teams for completing Software Security Assurance Process (SSAP) / Application Scans / Rapid7 Scans and any other HIPAA / Audit or other mandated scans and work with IT / Vendor teams in resolving the identified vulnerabilities.
- Track, record and report observations on the development progress, risk factors, and user adoption of the product, communicating the long-term strategic vision and short-term development goals to all stakeholders.
- Maintain comprehensive records of the product backlog, release notes, and post-launch analyses to measure the product's impact on agency efficiency and the achievement of program duties.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
- 2+ years overall experience with supporting IT applications
- Strong collaboration / coordination skills
- Ability to troubleshoot issues in a multitier software applications environment
- Ability to communicate problems and solutions to the user. Verbal communication and problem-solving skills include soliciting, clarifying, affirming, consensus-building.
- Effective at communicating technical concepts to non-technical users
- Ability to resolve issues in a timely manner
- Ability to prioritize issues based on business and operational needs
- Familiarity with cloud-based applications
- Proficient in writing SQL queries using Microsoft SQL Server
- Understanding of full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Pro-active and self-motivated individual with the ability to work in teams with multiple stakeholders
- Experience with stakeholder engagement
- Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Visio, Project and PowerPoint

ADDITIONAL DESIRED SKILLS
- Knowledge of XML, JavaScript, HTML, .Net, XML, ASP
- Strong analytical skills and ability to manage and report complex information
- Experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Desire to grow professionally, develop new skills and willingness to work outside of comfort zone.
- Experience working with the public health sector a plus

Why you should work for us:

- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744