Program Manager - Temporary Worker

dentsu•USA - Remote - Maryland, MD

7d•$55 - $85

About The Position

Merkle, a dentsu company, is seeking an experienced Temporary Program Manager to lead and coordinate complex, multidisciplinary marketing initiatives for US and global clients. The role calls for a strategic thinker with a record of managing high-visibility programs in a fast-paced agency environment, including global CRM rollouts and guiding clients through detailed user acceptance testing (UAT) steps and execution. The Program Manager develops program strategies and roadmaps, aligns cross-functional teams, manages client relationships, coordinates matrixed teams across regions and time zones, and oversees delivery, budgets, risks, and retrospectives. The position is temporary, paid hourly as a W-2 employee on the dentsu payroll, and is listed as full-time at approximately 40 hours per week. It runs ASAP through May 31, 2027. The role is remote or hybrid depending on location, requires working Eastern Time, is US-based, and may involve travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, or a related field.
At least 5 years of program management experience in marketing, advertising, or consulting environments.
A proven track record with programs where the agency acts as the client’s PMO and is an integral part of a multi-vendor delivery system.
Experience with a global CRM rollout and leading clients through the detailed steps and execution of the UAT process.
Advanced proficiency with project management tools; Jira is required.
Exceptional leadership skills and experience managing large, diverse teams in matrixed environments.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to executives.
Ability to influence stakeholders and drive consensus among competing priorities.
Cultural sensitivity and experience working across international markets.
Must be US-based and able to work Eastern Time.

Nice To Haves

Zephyr experience.
Specific Microsoft Dynamics CRM experience.
Familiarity with marketing technology stacks, including CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, data management, and eCommerce tools.

Responsibilities

Develop comprehensive program strategies and roadmaps for complex, multi-channel marketing initiatives across digital, traditional, and experiential touchpoints.
Lead cross-functional planning sessions with creative, strategy, data analytics, technology, and media teams.
Create and maintain program charters, scope documents, and success metrics aligned with client business objectives.
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned client stakeholders and build strategic relationships across markets.
Facilitate client communications, including stakeholder presentations, program reviews, and weekly status sessions.
Help teams navigate client organizational structures and cultural considerations for global programs.
Identify opportunities to optimize programs based on client needs and team outcomes.
Lead matrixed teams of 15–30 professionals across multiple disciplines.
Coordinate resources across regional offices and time zones.
Mentor junior project managers on best practices and career development.
Foster collaboration among internal teams and external partners, including vendors, production companies, and technology providers.
Oversee program execution and ensure deliverables meet quality standards and deadlines across workstreams.
Manage program budgets ranging from $1M to $3M or more, including forecasting, tracking, and optimization recommendations.
Implement risk management strategies and contingency plans for complex, multi-phase programs.
Lead post-program retrospectives and capture best practices for future initiatives.