Associate Director, Project Management

Join to apply for the Associate Director, Project Management role at Walker Sands1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Associate Director, Project Management role at Walker SandsWe strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Walker Sands is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes everyone to our your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.Walker Sands is an outcome-based B2B marketing agency with in-house capabilities spanning insights, strategy, branding, creative and media, including public relations, paid, search and social. The firm’s outcome-based approach delivers on objectives related to position, growth, reputation and engagement for 100+ B2B brands around the world. A 10-time Inc. 5000 honoree, Walker Sands is one of the fastest-growing B2B marketing agencies in the world, with offices in Chicago, Seattle and Boston.Walker Sands is looking for a strategic and experienced Associate Director of Project Management to join our Client Services team. This role is critical in driving the success of complex and high-visibility client projects, optimizing internal workflows and instilling operational excellence across teams.As an Associate Director, you’ll manage a portfolio of accounts and collaborate with account directors, writers, designers, strategists, strategic communication and digital marketing team members to ensure projects meet both client expectations and agency goals. You’ll be a champion of process improvement, risk management and integrated team collaboration.Project Planning + Setup:Lead project planning and scoping for large, multi-service marketing programs, ensuring alignment with client goals, budget and internal capacityLead internal project kickoff meetings to ensure internal alignment to scope and client outcomesAnticipate and mitigate risks during project planning and throughout the project’s lifecycleProject Execution + Monitoring:Conduct QC/QA checks and alignment of deliverables to client outcomes and program scopeLead internal status meetings and provide clear project updates to the teamMonitor and report on project budgets to ensure profitability and resource availabilityServe as a key escalation point for project risks, providing clear direction and multiple solutionsCommunication + Collaboration:Act as a trusted advisor to account team counterparts, providing guidance and removing internal roadblocksPromote seamless communication between internal services teams, account management and client to ensure alignment on outcomes and deliverablesServe as a secondary point of contact for clients and participate in client meetings to speak to project status and risksDocument meeting notes and share action items to keep projects on trackProactively identify and mitigate project risksProcess Improvement + Team Leadership:Ensure all project assets are organized on Google Drive and accessible to project teamsContribute to department and agency process improvementRequirementsExperience:6+ years of project management experience, preferably in a marketing or agency environmentProven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholdersSkills + KnowledgeStrong understanding of waterfall and agile methodologiesAdvanced experience with project reporting metrics including: hours tracking, budget management, and timeline optimizationOrganization and time management with the ability to manage up to 10 projects/clients at a timeConfidence in leading discussions and influencing decision-making with project teams and agency leadershipExceptional communication skills with the ability to translate high-level strategy into actionable plansMindsetStrategic thinker with a proactive and solutions oriented approachStrong leadership presence with ability to motivate and mentor teamSkill at motivating and inspiring project team to achieve and exceed client outcomesAttention to detail and commitment to exceeding client expectationsPreferred QualificationsExperience managing resourcing at an agency levelAdvanced experience in Trello or other project management toolsFamiliarity with digital marketing platforms that support marketing automation and paid media execution (e.g., Pardot, Hubspot, Google Analytics, and Google Tag Manager)Certification in project management (e.g., PMP)Experience driving strategic conversations and managing senior level stakeholdersBackground in process improvement and resource management in an agency settingStarting Salary: $85,000 - 95,000 a yearPlacement on the salary scale will be determined by various factors, such as, but not limited to, relevant qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, education, business or organizational requirements and internal equity.Starting salaries are not inclusive of a full range of compensation for this role and are instead meant to reflect the expected beginning salary for a new hire. Merit-based increases can be earned after time in role.Total Rewards Package:???? Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, plus mental health resources, pet insurance, fertility benefits, and more. Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services. Flexible PTO: Take time as needed for vacations, mental health, or personal days. Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year. Hybrid Work: Mix of in-office and remote work, with tools to stay connected across teams. Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift. Family Support: Generous paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more. Growth Opportunities: Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events to help you grow professionally. Culture: Our agency values our supportive, collaborative culture where we work hard to achieve the best outcomes for clients. Read more on our website here!Seniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionProject Management and Information TechnologyIndustriesMarketing ServicesReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Walker Sands by 2xGet notified about new Associate Director Project Management jobs in Chicago, IL.Scrum Master With Project Manager(Combination)Arlington Heights, IL $60,000.00-$100,000.00 1 month agoWealth Management Project Manager - M&A IntegrationsChicago, IL $150,000.00-$160,000.00 1 week agoGreater Chicago Area $150,000.00-$180,000.00 2 weeks agoChicago, IL $69,700.00-$155,800.00 22 hours agoGreater Chicago Area $150,000.00-$165,000.00 3 days agoGreater Chicago Area $120,000.00-$160,000.00 1 week agoSenior Project Manager- Business Operations Vice PresidentEmergency Service Rescue Project Manager (Work from home flexibility)Addison, IL $80,000.00-$120,000.00 2 weeks agoHammond, IN $100,000.00-$150,000.00 21 hours agoManager of Project Management and Process ImprovementChicago, IL $82,320.00-$172,200.00 2 weeks agoSolar Programs, Project Manager II - Consumer Protection (Remote - US)Chicago, IL $79,000.00-$92,000.00 1 month agoSolar Programs, Project Manager II - Consumer Protection (Remote - US)Chicago, IL $79,000.00-$92,000.00 1 month agoBroadview, IL $80,000.00-$100,000.00 2 weeks agoChicago, IL $145,000.00-$175,000.00 1 week agoAssociate Project Manager, Aviation PlanningGreater Chicago Area $95,000.00-$130,000.00 1 week agoElmhurst, IL $100,000.00-$140,000.00 3 days agoSr. Project Manager, Technology (Warehouse Management Systems) - RemoteChicago, IL $73,910.00-$106,260.00 1 week agoGreater Chicago Area $20,000.00-$35,000.00 2 months agoChicago, IL $110,000.00-$120,000.00 2 weeks agoGreater Chicago Area $105,000.00-$125,000.00 2 weeks agoProject/Program Management Information System (PMIS) ManagerChicago, IL $73,910.00-$106,260.00 20 hours agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Created: 2025-10-08