Vice President / Acct Director, Project Management

Edelman; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Edelman seeks a Vice President, Program Director to oversee a portfolio of integrated client programs within our U.S. Project Management team.

You will partner across Account, Strategy, Creative, Production and Specialty teams to shape approaches, staffing, timelines and budgets, while guiding delivery strategy and risk management. You will lead, coach, and develop project management talent, establish scalable processes, and champion inclusive, high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years leading complex, integrated programs across disciplines.
• Strong financial acumen with ability to manage scopes, budgets and forecasts.
• Experience coaching and developing project management teams in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of integrated client programs with strategic oversight across workstreams.
• Shape project approaches, scopes of work, staffing plans, timelines and budgets with cross-functional teams.
• Oversee program financials, forecasting, and resource planning to ensure on-time, within-scope delivery and profitability.
• Advise senior stakeholders and clients on delivery strategy, performance, risks, and commercial considerations.
• Proactively solve problems, manage changing priorities, and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Program leadership

Commercial acumen

Team coaching

Stakeholder management

Delivery strategy

Workflow optimization

AI fluency

Communication & problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Smartsheet

Job description

We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Consistent with this approach, we hire the best qualified candidates for all positions.

Edelman is looking for a Vice President, Program Director to join our U.S. Project Management team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced program management leader to oversee integrated client programs, partner with talented teams across disciplines, and help shape how we deliver exceptional work.

At Edelman, our Project Management team sits at the center of the business, connecting strategy, creativity, and execution to bring bold ideas to life. From consumer and healthcare to technology, financial services, retail, and beyond, we help deliver integrated communications and marketing programs that drive meaningful impact.

If you're a strategic, solutions-oriented leader who enjoys solving complex challenges, building strong teams, and finding smarter ways to work, we'd love to hear from you.

Who You Are

You're a collaborative and commercially minded leader who sees the big picture while understanding what it takes to deliver. You bring structure to complexity, anticipate challenges, and know how to balance client expectations, business priorities, and team needs. You're equally comfortable advising senior stakeholders, managing program financials, and coaching project management talent. Above all, you're curious, adaptable, and motivated by helping people and programs succeed.

What You'll Do

• Lead a portfolio of integrated client programs, providing strategic oversight across multiple workstreams, disciplines, and teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Partner with Account, Strategy, Creative, Production, and Specialty teams to shape project approaches, scopes of work, staffing plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Oversee program financials, forecasting, and resource planning to ensure work is delivered on time, within scope, and profitably.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and clients, guiding conversations around delivery strategy, project performance, risks, and commercial considerations.
• Anticipate challenges, navigate competing priorities, and lead proactive problem-solving and change management to keep programs moving forward.
• Establish scalable processes, governance frameworks, and quality standards that strengthen collaboration, accountability, and operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop project management talent through coaching, performance feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and inclusive ways of working. DEIB is everyone's responsibility, and we expect Edelman colleagues to demonstrate respect, embrace diverse perspectives, and practice conscious inclusion and continuous learning.

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive project management experience within an integrated marketing, communications, public relations agency, or related professional services environment.
• A bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading complex, integrated programs across multiple disciplines, with accountability for delivery, financial performance, and operational outcomes.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience developing scopes of work, budgets, forecasts, staffing models, and sustainable delivery plans.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing project management teams while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and clients, influence decisions, and navigate ambiguity with confidence.
• Proficiency with project management methodologies and platforms such as Smartsheet or comparable tools, with an interest in improving workflows and operational efficiency.
• AI fluency, including the ability to evaluate and responsibly apply AI-enabled tools to enhance project delivery, productivity, and team effectiveness.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to managing risks, competing priorities, and complex business challenges.

$105,000 - $170,000 annually

An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.

DJEH offers a wide range of benefits: medical and dental insurance, vision, 401K, life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, travel assistance and wellness programing.

DJEH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation in any part of the employment process, please let us know.