Associate Director, Project Management

Inizio Evoke•New York, NY

4d•$120,000 - $135,000•Remote

About The Position

The Associate Director, Project Management is a strategic operational leader responsible for overseeing complex projects, managing a portfolio of business, and driving successful execution across multidisciplinary teams. The role partners with Account Leadership and internal department leads to direct project scope, process, timelines, budgets, and resources. It also strengthens operational processes, identifies efficiency opportunities, develops talent, and aligns agency capabilities with client business objectives. This is a remote position reporting to the Director, Project Management.

Requirements

7+ years of project management experience, preferably within a pharmaceutical advertising, healthcare communications, or life sciences agency.
Pharmaceutical marketing agency experience required; Agency of Record (AOR) experience strongly preferred.
Bachelor's degree required.
Demonstrated experience leading complex cross-functional projects and managing large portfolios of business.
Proven ability to provide operational leadership and strategic guidance to Account Leadership and multidisciplinary teams.
Experience overseeing project financials, including budget development, forecasting, reconciliation, resource planning, and financial reporting.
Demonstrated success managing multiple vendors and agency partners, including timelines, budgets, deliverables, and execution.
Experience leading, mentoring, and developing project management professionals.
Strong understanding of pharmaceutical marketing workflows, including medical, legal, and regulatory review processes.
Advanced proficiency with project management and financial management platforms.
Experience with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or comparable project management tools.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement initiatives and implement operational efficiencies.
Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
Ability to navigate competing priorities, influence stakeholders, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced agency environment.

Nice To Haves

Agency of Record (AOR) experience is strongly preferred.
Strategic thinking that balances business objectives with operational execution.
Ability to take ownership, anticipate challenges, and develop solutions.
Comfort influencing senior stakeholders and driving accountability across teams.
Understanding of how operational excellence connects to client satisfaction, financial performance, and agency growth.
Passion for developing people, building strong teams, and creating an environment where great work can happen.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight and leadership across complex projects and client accounts from initiation through completion.
Advise Account Leadership on project strategy, scope, timelines, budgets, resources, and delivery expectations.
Lead high-priority initiatives involving multiple functional teams, agency partners, and external vendors.
Establish project management standards, workflows, and best practices to support consistent, high-quality, efficient delivery.
Anticipate project risks and develop solutions to mitigate impacts on scope, timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
Ensure projects follow business processes while adapting workflows when business needs require flexibility.
Oversee quality control and ensure deliverables meet agency standards and client expectations.
Oversee medical, legal, and regulatory submission preparation and processes in accordance with client-specific requirements.
Monitor project health and communicate status proactively to internal leadership and clients.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project execution, collaboration, and agency operations.
Oversee financial performance across assigned accounts and projects, including project scoping, staffing, and delivery within budgets.
Develop project staffing plans, resource forecasts, and budget projections with Account Leadership, Finance, and Resource Management.
Monitor project and campaign financials, identify budget risks and scope changes, and find opportunities to improve profitability.
Lead monthly financial reconciliation and forecasting discussions.
Partner with Finance to prepare and present budget reports and financial updates to clients and internal stakeholders.
Oversee resource planning and allocation with Resource Management and department leads; identify staffing gaps, capacity constraints, and efficiency opportunities.
Manage external agency and vendor relationships, aligning scope, timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
Build relationships across Account Leadership and internal Creative, Strategy, Medical, Technology, Operations, Finance, and other teams.
Serve as an operational advisor, recommending solutions that support client objectives and agency goals.
Partner with Account Leadership to set realistic expectations for scope, timing, resources, and deliverables.
Lead internal and external project discussions, keeping teams aligned, accountable, and focused on delivery.
Present project management capabilities, processes, and operational recommendations to stakeholders and clients as needed.
Promote collaboration, accountability, proactive communication, and effective cross-functional partnerships.
Provide day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and development to Project Management team members, including Senior Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers, as applicable.
Manage, coach, and develop direct reports through regular one-on-ones, performance feedback, and professional development.
Share best practices, guide Project Management talent, and identify opportunities for increased responsibility and ownership.
Set clear expectations and consistent execution standards across the Project Management team.
Identify improvements to team structure, workflows, and processes as business needs evolve.
Foster a positive team culture that encourages problem-solving, ownership, and continuous learning.