Program Director

Who we are looking for: 

VML is seeking a Program Director with breadth and depth of expertise to lead large multi-disciplinary teams to successfully deliver integrated client solutions. The right candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of project management tools and approaches to manage complex projects, and the flexibility to lead diverse and dynamic teams to solve our client's most challenging business problems. You have the strength and ability to transition from being a leader to being a doer based on the needs of the account.  

What you’ll do:  

• Work | Lead the delivery of work that is excellent, on time, on budget and goes beyond the brief. You will be responsible for setting up plans and processes that drive projects forward and ensure successful delivery with high client satisfaction. Maintain awareness of the current industry environment that shapes opportunities for client solutions (i.e. news events, trends, social platforms, etc.).
• People | Lead, inspire, direct and challenge teams to produce award-winning work. You will be responsible for establishing and managing cross-functional teams across different locations that are collaborative, efficient and high-functioning.
• Process | Define, implement and optimize program communication and processes. You will be responsible for setting up the appropriate structure and tools to ensure successful collaboration and engagement across the agency and with client teams. 
• Financials | Responsible for all SOW development, project estimation, forecasting and profitability. You will be responsible for building detailed plans; managing resource allocations; and reporting on program status, burn rates, budgets and reconciliations to agency and client stakeholders. 

 Who you are:  

• A builder and unifier | Entrepreneurial attitude coupled with a strong business acumen. Process-oriented with a strong point of view and distinct voice. Ability and appetite to create and bring people together to inspire solutions. 
• Open and collaborative | Our team is close-knit and supportive, and we work with unknowns – you must be an advocate of environments that are comfortable with ambiguity, positive and encourage collaboration.
• Optimistic and resilient | Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Innate ability to inspire and marshal people to clear solutions quickly. “Yes”, and “why not” posture. Takes care of self and team. Balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity. 
• Ego-less | We all wear the hats that need wearing, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful.  

What you’ll need:  

• 8+ years of hands-on project management leadership experience in advertising or marketing communications in a client-facing role, ideally at a (preferably large) creative agency or similar.
• A campaign thinker, with experience in multi-channel, integrated campaign work, who demonstrates a sharp knowledge of, and thoughtful POV on, the principles of marketing, advertising, campaigns, content and all forms of media. 
• High EQ and the ability to read what a team needs to help motivate them.  
• Proven track record in a client-service environment including presenting work and the ability to connect people (including team members and stakeholders), ideas, and information throughout a project life.
• Self-motivated and driven to build and create great work.  
• Strong leadership skills including ability to connect and motivate a large team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with clients, vendors and internal teams. 

What we offer:

• Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
• Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
• Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
• Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.