Senior Manager, Client Services

NJI Media; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

NJI Media is seeking a Senior Manager, Client Services to lead the execution of large-scale projects with cross‑functional teams across divisions. You’ll ensure alignment with client goals, manage timelines and budgets, and coach portfolio managers for delivery excellence.

The role demands strong communication, proactive problem solving, and a deep understanding of policy-focused communications. Hybrid work requires in-office presence in Georgetown three days a week.

Qualifications

• Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to guide teams and manage client expectations.
• Strong communication with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in policy-focused communications a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution and delivery of large-scale projects to meet requirements.
• Foster collaboration across divisions and streamline communication.
• Serve as primary liaison between account management, clients, and internal teams.
• Provide coaching to project managers and coordinators.
• Implement cross-functional processes and workflows.
• Manage schedules and budgets; optimize resources.
• Identify risks and mitigate delivery impacts.
• Ensure quality control and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Coordinate with partners and vendors for client support.
• Monitor performance benchmarks and drive continuous improvement.
• Stay informed on global industry developments and apply insights.
• Promote a culture of excellence and growth at NJI.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross‑functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Budgeting & financial reporting

Project lifecycle knowledge

Quality control

Communication coaching

Risk identification & mitigation

Resource planning

Strategic alignment

Tools

PM tools

Job description

Description

NJI is an agency where creativity knows no borders. We navigate the complexities of public affairs, charting new paths across industries and continents to deliver work that sparks conversation, shifts perception, and inspires action.

The Role

The Senior Manager, Client Services is responsible for fostering effective communication and collaboration across various teams, ensuring that both our staff and clients are aligned in their objectives and expectations. They thrive in a culture that values proactive problem‑solving, agility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. They are responsible for the optimal use of resources and financial accountability, as well as directly managing internal project resources across various divisions.

Central to this role’s success is a deep understanding of communications and marketing, especially for policy‑oriented audiences, and the role that creative agencies play in supporting clients across various sectors. The Senior Project Manager goes beyond guiding projects to the finish line; they are setting benchmarks, fostering innovation, and ensuring that every project reflects NJI’s commitment to excellence.

Note: This is a hybrid position that requires being in our Georgetown office three days per week on a flexible schedule. Our team meets for lunch every Wednesday, and we encourage crew members to join us in person for two additional days of their choosing.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the execution and delivery of large‑scale, complex projects, ensuring they align with agreed requirements and meet the highest standards.
• Foster a collaborative environment across divisions, streamlining communication and execution.
• Serve as a key point of contact between the agency’s account management team, clients, and other internal divisions, ensuring that project objectives and expectations are clearly defined and planned for daily delivery of work.
• Provide guidance and development coaching to portfolio‑specific project managers and coordinators, ensuring they excel both day‑to‑day and strategically.
• Implement and refine cross‑functional processes and workflows, guiding teams to adhere to organizational best practices for project management.
• Manage project schedules and budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources, and efficient production scheduling and planning.
• Identify potential risks to project budgets and delivery plans, and proactively implement strategies to mitigate them.
• Manage communication with all project stakeholders (verbal and written), focusing on balancing Account Management division needs with project delivery capabilities, ensuring alignment and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
• Implement stringent quality control measures, ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed client expectations.
• Liaise with partners and vendors to ensure cohesive support for clients.
• Monitor and report on performance benchmarks for projects, ensuring NJI’s standards of excellence and improvement in future work.
• Stay abreast of global industry developments, integrating them into client projects.
• Foster a strong organizational culture at NJI that champions excellence and continuous growth.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, advanced understanding of project lifecycle stages, and project management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, guide, and manage teams towards achieving project goals.
• Experience in managing communications and setting expectations with stakeholders, including clients and partners.
• Track record of cross‑functional teamwork in delivering and evaluating client projects.
• Knowledge in optimizing processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strong understanding of quality control measures to ensure project standards.
• Understanding of the U.S. political/policy landscape at the federal and state levels.
• Experience managing budgets and providing financial reporting.
• Capability to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines.
• Aptitude for proactive problem identification and solution recommendation.
• High emotional intelligence, enhancing client/vendor relationships and team dynamics.

Diversity Commitment.

Authenticity is the foundation of boundless creativity. Rooted in diverse life experience, our team challenges the status quo through our work and culture every day. We are committed to sustaining and improving NJI's inclusive workplace by actively expanding the diversity of our team. We encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please contact [e-mail].

Cover Letter.

We think of cover letters more in the old‑fashioned pen pal sense. So, keep the job summary and skills list in your resume, and write something that personally expresses who you are and what draws you to NJI and this role.