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Product Development Director Jobs in Rochester, NY

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in cross-functional environments, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and wants to make a direct impact on innovative product development.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in cross-functional environments, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and wants to make a direct impact on innovative product development.

Work with Business Development Director to identify product opportunities, translate customer requirements and lead analyses of the manufacturing upgrades required to support product roadmaps.

Product Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... Development Director to identify product opportunities, translate customer requirements and lead analyses of the manufacturing upgrades required to support product roadmaps. Required Skills: • ...

Establish KPIs and measure program effectiveness (e.g., productivity, customer satisfaction ... Oversee development and delivery of technical training programs (diagnostics, repair procedures ...

Director of Business Development - Sheet metal fabrication, assembly manufacturer Greater Rochester ... Lead opportunities from initial engagement through quoting, prototyping, and production * Step in ...

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Product Development Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$72K

$161.5K

$241.2K

How much do product development director jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development director in Rochester, NY is $161,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,700.00 and $183,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Product Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Development Director, you need expertise in product lifecycle management, strategic planning, market analysis, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, product roadmap tools, and methodologies like Agile or Scrum is frequently required, as well as experience with budgeting and cross-functional team leadership. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you inspire teams, align stakeholders, and drive innovation. These competencies are vital for successfully guiding products from concept to market, ensuring they meet customer needs and business goals.

What are the typical cross-functional collaborations for a Product Development Director, and how do they influence project outcomes?

Product Development Directors frequently work with teams across marketing, engineering, design, finance, and supply chain to ensure projects align with business goals and customer needs. These collaborations are crucial for balancing technical feasibility, market demands, budgeting, and timelines. Engaging stakeholders early and maintaining open communication channels helps anticipate challenges and maintain project momentum, ultimately leading to more successful product launches and stronger market positioning.

What does a Product Development Director do?

A Product Development Director oversees the creation and improvement of products from concept to launch. They lead cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure that products meet market needs and company goals. This role involves strategic planning, market research, and collaboration with engineering, marketing, and sales departments. Product Development Directors also monitor industry trends and customer feedback to guide future product innovation.

What is the difference between Product Development Director vs Product Manager?

AspectProduct Development DirectorProduct Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple product teams, sets strategic direction, manages product portfoliosFocuses on specific products, manages product lifecycle, gathers customer requirements
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, engineering, or related fields; extensive experience in product management or developmentUsually requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related fields; experience in product management
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in senior management settingsOperational, detail-oriented, often in cross-functional teams

The Product Development Director and Product Manager roles differ mainly in scope and strategic focus. The Director oversees multiple products and sets long-term strategies, while the Product Manager handles specific products' day-to-day development and customer needs. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the Director's position is more leadership and strategy-oriented.

What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Product Development jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Product Development Director jobs in Rochester, NY? For Product Development Director jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Product Development Director jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Product Development Director jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Product Development Director jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Product Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Product Development Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,502 per year, or $77.6 per hour.
Strategic Business Development Director

Strategic Business Development Director

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Rochester Institute Of Technology rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Develops and implements a vision, strategies, and processes to drive new business and revenue generation for the university
  • Identifies and builds upon business opportunities to grow the university's brand and reputation as premier event venue
  • Creates, develops, and maintains client relationships and industry partnerships in support of new and existing revenue streams
  • Assesses low usage periods and formulates strategies to increase venue usage and revenue production during these periods
  • Builds and expands customer base with targeted markets, including community and civic organizations, corporate entities, and sports and entertainment industries
  • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with sales teams and event services staff to maximize leads and opportunities. Participates in familiarization tours
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Knowledge of RIT programs, institutional goals/objectives, student services, and university policies to effectively navigate and identify opportunities
  • Knowledge of business development and targeted sales strategies, tactics, and techniques that effectively communicate value and engage potential clients
  • Skill in strategic management of venue operations
  • Skill in crafting and executing innovative marketing strategies that enhance RIT's visibility
  • Ability to establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with stakeholders, fostering connections that drive business development
  • Ability to identify and resolve complex business challenges through strategic decision-making and data-informed analysis

Minimum Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 10 years of relevant experience
  • Equivalent combination of experience & education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 4 - An advanced/lead role requiring a high degree of knowledge and recognized expertise in the profession or field. Manages large projects, programs, or specialized assignments that are strategic in nature and are without precedent and/or structure. Typically serves as a mentor to less experienced staff and reviews or delegates work.


Additional Details:

RIT Certified is a strategic university initiative supported by RIT leadership designed to expand Rochester Institute of Technology's engagement with industry through professional education and partnership-based learning programs.

RIT Certified delivers flexible, industry-informed professional learning experiences that connect subject matter experts, including RIT faculty, with the evolving needs of employers and professionals. Through innovative programs and partnerships, RIT Certified bridges the gap between traditional academic education and modern professional learning, enabling individuals and organizations to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing economy.

The Director of Strategic Business Development reports to the Executive Director of RIT Certified. They lead the unit's external engagement strategy with a clear mandate: generate revenue through strategic relationship development, market expansion, and partnership cultivation.

This role serves as the primary driver of business development for RIT Certified, with accountability for building and managing a pipeline of employer, government, and community relationships that drive enrollment growth, secure paid contracts, and deliver strong financial performance. The Director serves as the primary voice of the customer within RIT Certified, ensuring that employer needs and feedback are clearly understood, documented, and communicated in program development and delivery.

The role ensures that all opportunities are clearly defined, approved, and ready for execution prior to transition to Product Development and Operations.

This position offers a unique opportunity to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to advancing a growing university initiative. The Director will bring a strong business acumen and the ability to identify strategic markets, grow revenue, and scale in-person and online programming to expand RIT Certified reach and impact.

Growth will be driven through strategic industry partnerships, development of custom training initiatives, and expansion of professional education offerings aligned with employer needs.

At the university, the Director works closely with faculty and college teams to translate industry needs into training programs and partnerships that strengthen RIT's engagement with employers and professional learners.

The Director will initially focus on building strategic relationships with regional and national employers in priority sectors and launching pilot partnerships that establish a foundation for scalable growth. Over time, efforts shift to building both defined areas of institutional focus and expanding capacity aligned with RIT's long-term strategic direction.

The role offers the opportunity to shape how industry and higher education collaborate to support innovation, professional growth, and lifelong learning, while helping scale a growing university initiative and expand RIT's partnerships with industry.

FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$81,600 - $130,600 there is a 20% target bonus opportunity that is not reflected in this range

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request tohr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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About Rochester Institute of Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a preeminent institution in the education services industry, located in Rochester, NY, US. Renowned globally for its innovative and industry-aligned education, RIT was established in 1829 and has since then been committed to offering academic rigor in fields of study with an emphasis on applied learning. This is evidenced by their broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, science, business, and fine arts. RIT's mission centers on providing technology-based educational programs for career-minded students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

1829

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