Associate Creative Project Manager

Horizontal Talent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizontal Talent is seeking a hands-on Project Manager to lead multi-channel campaigns and content initiatives that support brand growth. You will coordinate with strategists, writers, designers, and partners to move projects from concept through completion.

You thrive in a fast-paced environment, keep projects organized, monitor risks, and maintain clear status updates. This role offers collaborative teamwork and opportunities to influence across initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, business, or related field.
• 3+ years of project management experience, preferably in a creative agency.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities while staying organized and detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to track work, maintain documentation, and follow established workflows and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple creative projects and manage schedule, scope, and budget.
• Coordinate with strategists, directors, writers, designers, and partners from concept to completion.
• Maintain project plans, docs, and status updates in PM tools.
• Monitor risks, issues, and opportunities and escalate when needed.
• Serve as main point of contact for internal teams and external partners.
• Support scope changes, closeout activities, and lessons learned with senior PM.
• Assist with forecasting, tracking, spend management, and reporting metrics under guidance.
• Contribute ideas to strengthen brand alignment across initiatives.
• Recognize team accomplishments and foster a positive, collaborative environment.

Skills

PM tools experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Risk identification & mitigation

Stakeholder management

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, business, or related field

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Join a dynamic creative team in a hands-on project management role where you'll help deliver multi-channel campaigns and content that support brand growth and business goals. This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys collaborating across teams, and takes pride in keeping projects organized, on track, and aligned with strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple creative projects at once, ensuring work stays on schedule, within scope, and aligned with budget expectations.
• Coordinate with strategists, creative directors, writers, designers, and other partners to move projects from concept through completion.
• Maintain project plans, documentation, and status updates in project management tools with accuracy and consistency.
• Monitor project risks, issues, and opportunities, and elevate concerns promptly when needed.
• Serve as a key point of contact for internal teams and external partners, helping keep communication clear and productive.
• Support scope changes, project closeout activities, and lessons learned in partnership with senior project management and operations.
• Assist with forecasting, tracking, spend management, and reporting metrics under guidance from senior leadership.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen brand alignment and help connect related work across initiatives.
• Recognize team accomplishments and help foster a positive, collaborative project environment.

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, business, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in project management, preferably within a creative agency or related environment.
• Strong ability to manage several priorities simultaneously while staying organized and detail-oriented.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to track work, maintain documentation, and follow established workflows and processes.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to identify risks and respond proactively.
• Solid understanding of creative project lifecycles and campaign development.
• Comfort working in a collaborative, fast-moving environment with evolving priorities.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a creative agency or similar setting supporting marketing or brand initiatives.
• PMP certification or a similar project management credential.
• Experience supporting forecasting, budgeting, or project metrics.
• Ability to influence ideas and connect work across multiple teams or disciplines.
• A continuous-improvement mindset and interest in refining processes and ways of working.

Horizontal is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued and embraced. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering a respectful environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.