Senior Program Director - Digital Transformation (Remote)

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

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.