Director, Program Management

RAPP Chicago is looking for a Director, Program Management to join our award-winning Program Management team.

WHO WE ARE:

We are RAPP – world leaders in activating growth with precision and empathy at scale.

As a global, next-generation precision marketing agency we leverage data, creativity, technology, and empathy to foster client growth. We champion individuality in the marketing solutions we create, and in our workplace. We fight for solutions that adapt to the individual’s needs, beliefs, behaviors, and aspirations.

We foster an inclusive workplace that values diversity and emphasizes personal well-being.

HOW WE DO IT:

At RAPP, our fearless superconnectors help to create value from personal brand experiences by focusing on three key areas: connected data, connected content and connected decisioning.

Our data analysts identify who that person is, our strategists understand what they want, and our award-winning technologists and creatives know how to deliver it – ensuring we’re able to activate authentic customer connections for our clients.

Part of Omnicom’s Precision Marketing Group, RAPP is comprised of 2,000+ creatives, technologists, strategists, and data and marketing scientists across 15+ global markets.

YOUR ROLE:

Program Management is a key capability at RAPP ensuring the accounts and therefore the agency runs as a well-oiled machine, driving cross-functional collaboration and optimal delivery. As a Director of Project Management, you are the driving force behind client projects and internal solutions – you’re the one who knows how to make things happen. You’re the strategic master of execution and process from project initiation to delivery. You are passionate about the space from print, DM and Digital to web to gaming and mobile. You’re creative, solutions-driven, organized and have exceptional people skills.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drives the planning and execution across multiple accounts of simultaneous integrated projects.
• Instills confidence in the management of the workflow delivery process, continuously assessing risk and avoiding foreseeable pitfalls of the workflow process.
• Actively tracks delivery progress and commercially manages the account (i.e. resource, vendor and budget management) for the benefit of the financial health of the account, team and the agency.
• Is seen as a knowledgeable and reliable partner via project communication to the Business Lead and provides proactive solutions.
• Is seen as a role model for how things at RAPP get done and exemplifies thorough and proactive communication skills, effectively managing up out and down.
• Proactively manages business and course corrects as need, escalating any issues until addressed with a clear and informed point of view on how to address.
• Implements and adheres to agency process and enforces it within the team and agency at large.
• Leads and develops direct reports to ensure compliance of departmental and agency policies and expectations, building the next generation of RAPPers.
• Builds strong internal relationships and when client facing - is seen as
  • a viable partner ensuring delivery of on-time and on budget deliverables.
  • the go-to when it comes to the financial health of the account.
• Takes accountability for / manages the motion of project communication, liaising with all departments from start through completion.
• Ensures operations and resourcing support to meet the client business and agency goals for the account.
• Leads project delivery process collaborating with cross-functional teams / department heads from defining project specifications (goals, milestones, staffing, budget, schedule, and scope) through project completion and optimization (e.g. measurement, reporting, analysis and post-mortem. Ensures sign-off.
• Leads resource management partnering with Resource Manager for talent appointment and making sure the account gets the right people for the specific deliverable.
• Resolves critical timeline issues and implications (internally or externally driven) with viable solutions to address challenges. Evaluates and optimizes production workflows and processes with a goal of constant improvement.
  • Proficient with programs such as Visio, Excel, PPT and MS Project.
• Experience with project management/workflow tools a plus.
• Project documentation samples are required (SOW and Project Plan).
• Is a champion of the agency process and quality work. Ensures adherence by all parties.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 8-10 years years of experience in CRM and 360 campaign management, i.e. digital, direct mail, video, radio, etc. at an advertising agency at a media, direct marketing or interactive advertising agency.
• Experience in multiplatform content extensions and original content production.
• Working knowledge & understanding of web technologies, including HTML, DHTML, Flash, XML, etc.
• Possess an established track record of successful accomplishment with clients / teams.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products, including MS Project.
• Experience with Workfront or related PM systems a plus.
• Strong communication and presentations skills - capable of presenting solutions in a clear, logical manner with an informed POV.
• Excellent risk management and negotiation skills.
• Excellent leadership skills with and ability/desire to mentor PM talent.
• Project documentation samples (SOW and Project Plan) and presentation example to demonstrate thinking / ability to align key stakeholders required.

Our hybrid work model:

RAPP's current hybrid model is designed to enable in-person connections and collaboration that is core to our culture, while also supporting flexibility for all employees. As such, we have the option to work from home two days per week, if we'd like.

RAPP provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits plan. Benefits for this role include health/vision/dental insurance, 401(k), stock options, Healthcare & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts, vacation, sick, and personal days and positive activism days, paid parental leave and disability benefits. For more information regarding Omnicom benefits, please visit www.omnicombenefits.com. A reasonable estimate of the salary for this role, at the time of posting, is $113,000 - $135,000. This range is specific to Chicago and multiple factors are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to: skill set, experience and training, certifications; etc. This is an exempt position. If your requirements fall outside of this range, you are still welcome to apply.

“As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status.”

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.