Program Director - Temporary Worker

Dentsu Aegis Network Ltd.; Maryland; On-site; USD 101,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Merkle, a dentsu company, seeks a temporary Program Director to lead transformational digital and technical initiatives for premier client portfolios. This senior leader will oversee one or more high-stakes programs, build capabilities, and advise client executives in fast-paced agency environments serving domestic and international markets.

The role partners with Creative, Strategy, Data & Analytics, Technology, and CRM leadership to ensure integrated delivery, governance, dashboards, and ROI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a digital/technical agency environment.
• 12-15 years of progressive program/project management experience at a digital/technical agency or consulting firm.
• Proven track record delivering complex programs with significant business impact and client satisfaction.
• Exceptional leadership presence and ability to influence senior executives.
• Expert-level knowledge of Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and hybrid methodologies.
• Experience with enterprise PM platforms (Workfront, Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, or similar).
• Experience with Salesforce and AEM implementations; Agile/Scrum certifications (CSM, SAFe, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Direct a portfolio of enterprise programs for Fortune 500 clients.
• Define program vision, objectives, and success criteria with client executives.
• Develop roadmaps integrating multiple workstreams across digital transformation, CX, data analytics, and technology.
• Ensure programs align with client strategies and deliver ROI and business impact.
• Lead steering committees and governance; manage interdependencies and risks.
• Partner with Creative, Strategy, Data & Analytics, Technology, and CRM leadership for delivery.
• Oversee end-to-end execution, ensuring quality, timelines, and budget adherence.
• Implement governance structures, escalation protocols, change management, and risk mitigation.
• Monitor health with dashboards; perform health assessments and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance across markets; facilitate post-program retrospectives.
• Drive profitability, resource planning, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Agile/Scrum

Waterfall/Hybrid

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Workfront

Jira

Confluence

Smartsheet

Salesforce

AEM

Job description

Job Description: TEMP ROLE 10/12-5/31/2027 Anticipated 40 hours per week Hourly, Non-Exempt on Dentsu Payroll, W2 Remote or Hybrid depending on Location Work in EST Time Zone with some flexibility Must be US Based Travel - Required on occasion

Merkle, a dentsu company, powers the experience economy. For more than 35 years, the company has put people at the heart of its approach to digital business transformation. As the only integrated experience consultancy in the world with a heritage in data science and business performance, Merkle delivers holistic, end-to-end experiences that drive growth, engagement, and loyalty. Merkle's expertise has earned recognition as a Leader by top industry analyst firms, in categories such as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management. With more than 16,000 employees, Merkle operates in 30+ countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Temporary Program Director to lead transformational digital/technical initiatives for our premier client portfolio while driving excellence across our program management practice. This senior leadership position requires a strategic and operationally sophisticated professional who can oversee one or more high-stakes programs, develop organizational capabilities, and serve as a trusted advisor to client executives. The ideal candidate brings deep digital/technical expertise, proven team leadership, and the ability to deliver exceptional results in fast-paced, complex agency environments serving both domestic and international markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct a portfolio of enterprise-level programs for 1 or more Fortune 500 clients
• Define program vision, objectives, and success criteria in collaboration with client executives and agency leadership
• Establish comprehensive program roadmaps that integrate multiple workstreams across digital transformation, customer experience, data analytics, and technology implementations
• Ensure programs align with client business strategies and deliver measurable ROI and business impact
• Lead program steering committees with senior client stakeholders, facilitating strategic decision-making and governance
• Manage program interdependencies, risks, and resource conflicts across the portfolio
• Partner closely with Creative, Strategy, Data & Analytics, Technology, and CRM leadership to ensure integrated program delivery
• Oversee end-to-end program execution ensuring deliverables meet quality standards, timelines, and budget parameters
• Implement robust governance structures including escalation protocols, change management processes, and risk mitigation strategies
• Monitor program health through comprehensive dashboards tracking scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client satisfaction metrics
• Conduct regular program health assessments and implement corrective actions to address challenges
• Ensure compliance with agency standards, client requirements, and regulatory obligations across all markets
• Lead crisis management and issue resolution for high-impact program challenges
• Facilitate post-program retrospectives capturing lessons learned and best practices
• Manage program budgets ensuring profitability targets are achieved
• Oversee resource planning and allocation across programs, optimizing utilization and capability deployment
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and program profitability
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance delivery quality, team productivity, and client satisfaction
• Establish and refine program management methodologies, tools, and templates aligned with industry best practices
• Implement and optimize technology platforms supporting program planning, execution, and reporting
• Create standardized frameworks for risk management, change control, and quality assurance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience 12-15 years of progressive program/project management experience at a digital/technical agency is a MUST
• 4-6 years of people management experience
• Proven track record managing complex programs valued at $5M-$15M+ individually
• Extensive experience with enterprise-level clients and multi-year technical initiatives
• History of delivering programs that drive significant business outcomes and client satisfaction
• Exceptional leadership presence and influencing skills, comfortable engaging with senior executives
• Outstanding communication skills across written, verbal, and presentation formats
• Experience leading through ambiguity and complexity in matrixed organizations
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and ability to navigate challenging stakeholder situations
• Expert-level knowledge of program management methodologies including Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and hybrid approaches
• Advanced proficiency with program management platforms (Workfront, Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, or similar)
• Experience with Salesforce and AEM implementations Required Qualifications
• Agile/Scrum certifications (CSM, SAFe, etc.) in addition to leading teams in Agile methodology
• Extensive experience at recognized digital and/or technical agencies or top-tier consulting firms. (12-15 years of progressive program/project management experience at a digital/technical agency or consulting firm is a MUST)
• Experience delivering website migrations, design systems, and site implementations

Additional Information

At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we're connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office.

The hourly pay range for this position is $73.32 - $120.00. The hourly pay rate for the successful candidate is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Temporary employees are eligible for paid holidays in accordance with dentsu policy, as well as safe and sick time. This position is not eligible for any other benefits or other compensation.

Location: USA - Remote - Maryland

Brand: Merkle

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Temporary

Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] by clicking on the link to let us know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.

About dentsu For over 120 years, innovation is a core tenet of our offering – exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We're leading the way – helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future. Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way. Find out more about us Who we are Our Social Impact Our work