VML logo
VML

Freelance Program Director

Chicago, USAHybridPosted 1 month ago

Apply opens VML's site. When you're back, we'll ask whether you applied.

Job type
Contract
Work mode
Hybrid
Level
Director
Department
Project and Program Management
Experience
3+ years experience
Posted
Aug 3, 2026

About the role

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking a Freelance Program Director who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery stack, all related processes, software and hardware for a dedicated client in the Automotive space, and act as a primary point of contact with client leadership, all stakeholders, and serve as the connective tissue between internal resources and external connections. This role will serve as part Project Leader, Management Consultant, and Delivery Manager for client stakeholders and internal production teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading in and thriving in an agile and collaborative work environment. You will have worked on complex production delivery projects and campaigns, inclusive of all project elements and phases from inception to completion while remaining cool under pressure. You are familiar with the complexities and regulations within marketing content and its production. You consider yourself a team captain who can manage scopes of work, complex technical rollouts, and workstreams across different interagency teams and agency partners. You have your finger on the pulse of the latest technology trends and are able to convey strategic insights and offer consultation to internal and external stakeholders.

What you will do:

  • Work with internal Process and Project Management teams to drive innovative initiatives, analyze, plan, and implement technological solutions that are part of the roadmap and drive cross-brand projects while acting as the primary point of contact for clients.
  • Consult, support, and serve as a key pillar to internal production and account teams by identifying opportunities for streamlining, automating, or implementing efficient processes within VML and for clients.
  • Own and grow relationships with client counterparts, such as internal creative and social media groups, Business Technology Leaders, and License Owners, while actively contributing to the development of new proposals, products, and services within VML.

Who you are:

  • A builder with an entrepreneurial attitude and strong business acumen, possessing the gravitas and appetite to bring people together, marshal people, build consensus, drive ideas, and launch solutions.
  • Open and collaborative, championing team environments that are comfortable and encouraging.
  • Optimistic and resilient, able to work around problems while maintaining stamina and positivity.
  • Ego-less and willing to wear the hats needed to make the team successful.

What You’ll Need:

  • Ideally 5+ years of project and delivery management experience in advertising or marketing communications, with a minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience managing technical and digital projects and other 360 campaigns, including digital, CLM, and CRM.
  • PMP certification is nice to have, and successful implementation of Agile is a plus.
  • Experience working in preferably large agencies on large global accounts.
  • Proven experience working with multidisciplinary teams across remote offices, including CX, UX, technology, creative, and PM/AM teams.
  • Good understanding of emerging web standards, user-centered design, optimization, and search practices.
  • Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud is a plus.
  • High EQ and the ability to read what a team needs to help motivate them.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
  • Availability to travel within the US and to other VML offices.

The compensation for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package.