Project Manager

Summary

Join the Ad Council's Creative Services & Distribution Team as a Project Manager (Independent Contractor) to support the VP, Studio Manager of the Creative Studio. Manage complex, time-sensitive projects for campaigns and internal initiatives, providing communication updates to staff and teams. Maintain schedules, assignments, approvals, and final billing. The contract is anticipated to be 35 hours per week for 6 months, with possible extension, at $60/hour. This is a fully remote position. The role involves managing print production and distribution, monitoring project status using Smartsheets, ensuring deadlines are met, and managing various aspects of studio operations, including billing and asset management. You will also manage the Ad Council’s Annual Dinner collateral.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in project management, ideally at an agency or in-house design department
• Highly organized with the ability to manage details of multiple ongoing projects in a fast-paced environment
• Solutions-oriented mindset
• Ability to manage project times and schedules wisely
• Works well both autonomously and in groups
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the print production and distribution process, i.e., circulate proofs & follow-up on approvals
• Monitor the status of current projects and utilize Smartsheets platform to track project details for the Studio
• Support project leads to ensure deadlines are met with internal & external stakeholders
• Clarify details of Design Requests with Ad Council stakeholders and add new projects to Design Studio’s project management tool
• Work with VP, Studio Manager to create purchase orders in the Donovan Data System
• Administrator of Basecamp, Canva, and Smart Sheets for the Design Studio
• Preparing monthly studio billing (ensure job numbers are open in Donovan)
• Upload OOH flex and digital billboard assets (PDFs, JPEGs) into the internal Digital Asset Management System
• Coordinate the Flex Outdoor ordering process in conjunction with the Media team, Campaign Management, and external vendor. This includes: Managing internal sign-up sheets
• Opening and monitoring budgets with Campaign Management and Circle Graphics
• Upload JPEGs of flex creative to Adcouncil.org/OOH
• File expiration date forms for print & OOH
• Manage iStock photography downloads as requested
• Track the shipping of all time-sensitive opportunistic OOH jobs and report delivery status to Campaign Management and VP, Studio Manager
• Maintain files: including invoices, POs, approvals, freelancer timesheets
• Assist VP, Studio Manager, with ordering of premium items and awards for events and campaign teams
• Project manage all collateral for Ad Council’s Annual Dinner, working with internal and external vendors
• Maintain and update FY26 budgetary spreadsheet, as well as individual project spreadsheet estimates
• Monitor AV request inbox messages; delegate to appropriate Studio/distribution member
• Support project leads to ensure deadlines are met with internal & external stakeholders
• Acquire/send proper Vendor paperwork to Accounting for invoice processing
• Drafting SOWs and contacting Legal when appropriate (project-based)
• Maintain files: including invoices, POs, approvals, etc

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with project management tools (a plus if in Asana, Basecamp, or Smartsheets)
• Experience in Microsoft Suite is required, and any experience in Canva a plus
• Self-Starter with a good sense of humor

Benefits

• The compensation for this position is $60 per hour, paid monthly
• The independent contractor will receive a 1099 for tax reporting purposes
• This is a fully remote position