Freelance Program Manager

AKQA; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

AKQA, part of WPP, seeks a Freelance Program Manager to drive a high-visibility financial services engagement. You will orchestrate strategy through production, guiding cross-functional teams and senior client partners in a fast-paced remote setting.

This contract runs June 29 through September 31, 2026, with 40 hours per week and core PST hours. Remote work with Seattle travel as needed is possible.

Qualifications

• Lead large-scale digital programs from strategy through production across channels.
• Navigate senior client relationships as strategic partner, not just a tasker.
• Understand agency operations, scope, resourcing and financials.
• Communicate clearly and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale digital programs across multiple channels and workstreams.
• Manage multi-project portfolios with overlapping schedules, budgets and stakeholders.
• Partner with senior clients, acting as trusted advisor and delivery lead.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Delivery methods

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Stakeholder management

Client relationship management

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Smartsheet

Job description

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

Program Managers at AKQA are trusted partners, orchestrating the delivery of exceptional work across complex initiatives. They bring structure to ambition, ensuring clarity, alignment, and accountability from concept through execution. Equal parts strategist and operator, they build the conditions for creativity to flourish, guiding multidisciplinary teams and client partners toward successful outcomes that embody both craft and impact.

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Program Manager to support one of the most recognized and trusted names in financial services, a brand with deep roots in helping people plan, protect, and secure their futures. We are doing transformative digital product work with this client, shaping the ways that millions of people engage with their financial lives. This is a meaningful, high-visibility engagement where strong program leadership and delivery discipline have a direct impact on real people at pivotal moments. This is a remote freelance role running from June 29 through September 31, 2026.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience leading large-scale digital programs from strategy through creative development and production, across multiple channels and workstreams
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-project portfolios with overlapping schedules, budgets, and stakeholder groups
• Experience navigating senior client relationships, serving as a strategic partner and trusted advisor rather than a task manager
• Deep understanding of agency operations and delivery practices, including scope management, resourcing, and financial stewardship
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; able to bring clarity to ambiguity and order to complex engagements
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, fostering productive dialogue across internal teams, partners, and client organizations
• Experience with Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid delivery methods, adapting process to the needs of each engagement
• Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, and other project management tools
• Comfortable facilitating discussions with senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional teams that may include strategy, UX, design, technology, and media disciplines
• Passion for creating conditions that elevate creativity, quality, and collaboration

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• A proactive, hands-on leader who brings both strategic perspective and operational excellence
• Comfortable in fast-paced, high-stakes environments; maintains composure and clarity under pressure
• Adept at building trusted relationships, communicating candidly, and championing the best interests of both the client and AKQA team
• Empathetic, inclusive, and collaborative, promoting a team-first mindset across all partners
• Thoughtful in approach and resilient in execution, with a continuous improvement mindset
• Enthusiastic about digital innovation and the ways creativity and technology intersect to drive meaningful results
• Strong track record managing digital product and services work, with additional exposure to brand and campaign delivery a plus
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams, budgets, and stakeholders simultaneously
• 5+ years of experience in a program management or delivery leadership role within a creative, digital, or integrated agency environment
• A passion for shaping and delivering exceptional work that moves people and businesses forward

Location & Commitment

• Either based in Seattle, WA or ability to travel to Seattle, WA on a regular cadence
• June 29, 2026 through September 31, 2026
• $3,000- $4,000 per week
• 40 hours/week
• Core working hours are PST

We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unitecutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counselin a single company -powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.