Creative Operations Manager (Future Opportunity)

ICF•Reston, VA

1d•Remote

About The Position

This role is contingent upon contract award. While not an immediate opening, we are actively interviewing and may extend offers in anticipation of the award, with start dates dependent upon contract finalization. Creative Operations Manager Marketing and creative development is exciting when you see the work going viral across social, or on broadcast during huge media events, or from the stage when the team gathers to collect shiny objects at award shows. But to get to that great work there has to be a great foundation. A platform of process, grit, creative and strategic problem-solving, budget, efficiency and team management, and even some informal therapy sessions. We’re talking about Creative Operations, and it’s the backbone of any successful creative agency. We need someone to partner with the Director of Creative Operations. Operations is part of the NEXT Creative Studio, a 150+ team of award-winning creative zealots, gurus and pirates committed to delivering best-in-class work for our public-sector clients. You’ll be inspired by the team and love the culture, but we need your help making sure we meet the changing markets with fidelity, speed, quality and striking execution. On an enterprise level you’ll make sure we build not just a great portfolio, but a strong business geared for growth and scale. If this sounds good, we’d love to chat. Show us how you’ve done this before at a large marketing or advertising agency. Talk about the problems you’ve solved that are specific to large teams, big clients and budgets, and a crazy amount of deliverables. Demonstrate how you and your team are the “glue” sitting at the center of it all – getting the best out the account, creative and client's teams as a kind of show-runner. Looking forward to the conversation! About ICF Next ICF Next brings together strategy, creativity, data, and technology to solve real problems. We work with organizations facing complex challenges across energy, public health, climate, and more. The work is not just about communication. It is about helping people understand, engage, and take action. Our teams build integrated campaigns and experiences that connect with people and hold together across channels. The work needs to be clear, useful, and built to perform. If it does not resonate, it does not work.

Requirements

10+ years’ experience in creative operations, preferably within an agency environment.
A bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications, or equivalent experience in a related field.
At least 3 years prior experience managing people.
A go-getter attitude with the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
The ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while still meeting tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

Work with the Director of Creative Operations to develop and implement operational plans to help ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
Be responsible for creative project management from start to finish, including reviewing creative task requests from account teams, assigning the appropriate staff, developing project schedules, and estimating labor costs.
Manage workflows for multiple clients in various mediums, including digital, print, web, video, and motion graphics.
Work closely with the creative and account teams to ensure projects are completed on time and to a high standard.
Negotiate due dates and timelines with internal clients as needed.
Identify and manage risks and issues, ensuring any problems are quickly resolved.
Lead and mentor team members, set performance expectations, and provide feedback to improve team performance.
Coaching everyone to their best work.