Principal Product Manager, Data and AI Platform
Role summary
We are seeking a Principal Product Manager to lead critical aspects of our data product ecosystem, focusing on foundational elements for AI/ML at scale. This role involves owning roadmap execution, contributing to strategy, and delivering products that enhance customer outcomes, automation, user experience, and profit margins. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking, decisive individual capable of driving alignment and execution across global, cross-functional teams, navigating ambiguity effectively. Key responsibilities include leading product initiatives end-to-end, driving data mesh and platform adoption, building scalable data systems, and prioritizing backlogs with business alignment. A strong background in product management, particularly with data products supporting AI/ML, is essential, along with technical fluency in modern data technologies and experience in global, matrixed environments.
About the role
We’re seeking a Principal Product Manager to lead mission-critical parts of our data product ecosystem—foundational to Blackbaud’s strategy and the platform that will power AI/ML experiences at scale. You’ll own execution of the roadmap, partner closely on strategy, and deliver products that improve customer outcomes, automation, user experience, and product margins.
You’re someone who looks ahead, communicates clearly, and moves decisively through ambiguity-driving alignment and execution across global, cross-functional teams.
What you’ll do
- Lead multiple product initiatives end-to-end—from discovery and validation through delivery and adoption.
- Drive adoption and maturity of data mesh and data platform capabilities across engineering, analytics, and product teams.
- Build scalable, simplified data systems that reduce complexity and unlock durable customer value.
- Partners with engineering, design, program management, and vertical market teams to define and execute product strategy.
- Prioritize and sequence backlogs with rigor, transparency, and business-outcome alignment.
- Identify and solve cross-team problems proactively, removing ambiguity and driving clarity for global partners.
What we’ll want you to have
- 8+ years of product management experience; data products/platforms supporting AI/ML at scale strongly preferred.
- Proven ownership of complex data products or systems with measurable outcomes (strong “I did” examples).
- Ability to drive results across cross-functional teams (engineering, data science, design, and business stakeholders) through influence without formal authority.
- Strong communication and listening skills; able to distill complex topics into crisp narratives for diverse audiences.
- Pragmatic technical fluency with modern data technologies and ecosystems (ADLS, Microsoft Fabric, or similar a plus).
- Experience operating in a global, highly matrixed environment and aligning partners across geographies and time zones.
- Experience with agile development practices, methodologies, and tools.
- Track record shipping platform-level capabilities (not just features) and raising quality standards through clear definitions of “excellent.”
- Strong business and financial acumen; able to connect product decisions to measurable customer and margin impact.
Stay up to date on everything Blackbaud,
Blackbaud powers social impact through purpose‑driven technology and responsible AI. Guided by our *Intelligence for Good®* vision, we’re building a culture where innovation, trust, and human expertise come together to help organizations make a greater difference in the world.
Blackbaud is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
The starting base pay is $117,200.00 to $157,500.00. Blackbaud may pay more or less based on employee qualifications, market value, Company finances, and other operational considerations.
Benefits Include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Remote-flexible workforce
- Wellness Programs
- 401(k) program with employer match
- Flexible paid time off
- Generous Parental Leave
- Donations for Doers
- Pet insurance, legal and identity protection
- Tuition reimbursement program
Sample Blackbaud interview questions
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How would you design a way to help people find a reliable dog-walker?
product sensemedium - 2
Design a supply chain strategy for a food truck business expanding into new regions.
strategymedium - 3
Imagine you are a PM at Tesla or Waymo; how do you design an interface that builds trust during the car's first 100 miles?
product sensemedium - 4
How would you introduce Verified Profiles or Social Identity to Craigslist while maintaining user privacy?
product sensemedium
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