_MADE Program Manager

HKS, Inc. • Dallas, TX

2d

About The Position

Overview: Leads the firmwide HKS idea management and digital exploration programs, serving as the connective tissue between _MADE, the broader firm, and emerging technology initiatives while being comfortable operating in ambiguity. The role requires strong operational and organizational acumen to drive the flow of ideas and innovations from submission through enrichment, evaluation, and delivery. Responsible for idea platform administration, campaign creation, and workflow management, as well as maintaining _MADE’s roadmap and ensuring clear communication between leadership, stakeholders, and practice groups. Manages the firm’s resources and ensures that emerging technologies and ideas are effectively tested, enriched, and positioned to create meaningful value for HKS’s design and advisory services through an analytical and strategic approach.

Requirements

• Professional degree in Architecture, Design, Technology, Communications or related field preferred
• Typically with 5+ years of experience in program or project management, preferably in innovation labs, R&D, or digital product development teams preferred
• Prior experience with research, grants, and financial tracking of innovation initiatives required
• Prior experience with program marketing, storytelling, and gamification strategies required
• Intermediate skills in roadmap planning, funnel management, project tracking, and stakeholder communication required
• Intermediate ability to translate technical explorations (e.g., AI applications, digital tools, data-driven systems) into accessible narratives for non-technical audiences required
• Advanced organizational, facilitation, and process management skills required
• Advanced communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present ideas clearly and professionally required
• Successful track record in managing firmwide programs in fast-paced, cross-functional environments required
• Intermediate experience connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time to accelerate outcomes required
• Intermediate familiarity with AEC industry workflows, digital innovation platforms, and quality assurance concepts preferred
• Intermediate attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and integrity in handling confidential information required
• Intermediate presentation, graphic and visualization skills to communicate design ideas required
• Intermediate ability to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationship required
• Intermediate ability to proactively problem solve and develop innovative, actionable solutions required
• Intermediate ability to collaborate effectively across teams while managing multiple projects and priorities required
• Intermediate ability to effectively meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results required

Responsibilities

• Works with business units and practice groups to establish campaigns, create workflows, and develop data collection forms
• Partners with the _MADE team to maintain and refine the team’s multi-horizon innovation roadmap
• Creates and manages targeted reporting on engagement, enrichment, idea velocity, delivery, and overall program health
• Identifies dependencies, risks, and resource needs to keep exploration initiatives and idea delivery on track
• Implements lightweight, effective project management processes (Agile, Kanban, or hybrid) to maintain team velocity
• Translates technical explorations into business-aligned milestones and accessible outcomes
• Tracks and reports on progress, deliverables, and outcomes across multiple proof-of-concept projects
• Troubleshoots “stuck” ideas by identifying and resolving blockers to maintain flow and momentum
• Manages award systems, engagement, and gamification strategies to increase idea flow and community participation
• Acts as the primary liaison between the _MADE exploration team, idea submitters, and firm leadership
• Develops and executes communication strategies to share prototypes, demos, and updates across the firm
• Creates documentation, reports, and visual storytelling materials to make experimental work understandable and inspiring
• Coordinates showcases, pilots, and learning sessions to foster knowledge sharing and adoption
• Facilitates collaboration across design, advisory, and technical practices to ensure ideas and prototypes address real business and client needs
• Works with software platform vendors on optimization and enhancements
• Captures strategic trends emerging from the program and assists leadership in understanding their potential impact
• Fosters an “idea mentality” across the firm through training, communication, and cultural initiatives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees