Vice President / Acct Director, Project Management

Daniel J. Edelman•Chicago, NY

10d

About The Position

Edelman is seeking a Vice President, Program Director to join its U.S. Project Management team. The role oversees integrated client programs and connects strategy, creativity, and execution to deliver communications and marketing work across industries including consumer, healthcare, technology, financial services, and retail. The successful candidate is a collaborative, commercially minded leader who can bring structure to complex programs, advise senior stakeholders, manage financials, and develop project management talent. The position leads a portfolio of integrated programs across multiple workstreams, disciplines, and teams. It partners with Account, Strategy, Creative, Production, and Specialty teams on project approaches, scopes, staffing, timelines, and budgets; oversees forecasting and resource planning; and advises clients and internal stakeholders on delivery, risks, performance, and commercial considerations. It also establishes scalable processes and quality standards, develops team members, and champions continuous improvement and inclusive work practices. Edelman expects colleagues to demonstrate respect, embrace diverse perspectives, and practice conscious inclusion and continuous learning. The stated salary range is $105,000–$170,000 annually. Other compensation may include annual bonuses, paid time off, and region-specific benefits.

Requirements

At least 8 years of progressive project management experience in an integrated marketing, communications, public relations agency, or related professional services environment.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
Experience leading complex integrated programs across multiple disciplines, with accountability for delivery, financial performance, and operational outcomes.
Commercial and financial acumen, including experience developing scopes of work, budgets, forecasts, staffing models, and sustainable delivery plans.
Experience leading, coaching, and developing project management teams in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and clients, influence decisions, and navigate ambiguity.
Proficiency with project management methodologies and platforms such as Smartsheet or comparable tools.
AI fluency, including the ability to evaluate and responsibly apply AI-enabled tools to improve project delivery, productivity, and team effectiveness.
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to risks, competing priorities, and complex business challenges.

Responsibilities

Lead a portfolio of integrated client programs across multiple workstreams, disciplines, and teams.
Partner with Account, Strategy, Creative, Production, and Specialty teams to develop project approaches, scopes of work, staffing plans, timelines, and budgets.
Oversee program financials, forecasting, and resource planning to support timely, in-scope, profitable delivery.
Advise internal stakeholders and clients on delivery strategy, project performance, risks, and commercial considerations.
Anticipate challenges, manage competing priorities, and lead problem-solving and change management.
Establish scalable processes, governance frameworks, and quality standards to improve collaboration, accountability, and operational efficiency.
Coach, mentor, and develop project management talent through feedback and professional growth opportunities.
Promote continuous improvement, innovation, and inclusive ways of working.
Demonstrate respect, embrace diverse perspectives, and practice conscious inclusion and continuous learning.