Summary:

The Associate Director, Project Management primary focus will be on driving initiative workflows
within the In-House Agency, leading entire initiatives on assigned businesses, defining project goals,
set timelines and milestones, communicate with stakeholders, and see a project through to its closure.
In addition to project responsibilities, this role will act as a key liaison between the IHA and internal partners, building relationships, and embodying an agency mindset to help generate new work and strategically stay connected to priorities that best inform approaches and future engagements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, with experience leading teams and managing complex projects from start to finish. As part of Freedom Mortgage’s In-House Agency, the candidate would ideally have experience in the mortgage and/or technology industries. Prior agency experience in creating and deploying brand identities across the ecosystem in various mediums such as digital, print, and social activations is a must. Experience and involvement in brand strategy definition is a plus. The candidate may also manage direct reports in support of career growth goals. The candidate should be a self-starter, capable of concepting and developing fresh ideas, maintain a high level of attention to detail, and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Job Functions:

Ability to lead project managers and coordinators responsible for managing cross-functional projects and initiatives.Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, team workload, and budgets for complex projects.Responsible for planning, scheduling, assigning, trafficking, and overseeing assigned In-House Agency projects.Define scope of work for each assigned project/campaign, coordinating with dedicated Creative Director(s) on timing, strategy, and delivery.Coordinate between category leads on behalf of the In-House Agency regarding any escalations pertaining to assigned projects.Identify and manage project risks and dependencies, and ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders.Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including vendors and contractors.Liaison between the creative teams and project owners to define requirements.Communicate project status, risks, and dependencies to stakeholders and executive leadership.Coordinate and lead kick-off meetings to define client needs, project scope, timing, as well as coordinate presentation meetings to share back creative solutions.Serve as the primary management point of contact for stakeholders, representing the agency team.Ensure team members are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to manage projects effectively.Champion process improvement and best practices and ensure team members are trained and adhering to project management methodologies.Support maintenance of project management tools, templates, and processes.Provide mentorship, coaching, and career development opportunities to team members.Coordinate kick-off meetings for assigned projects to understand partner needs and define scope and timing, as well as coordinate presentation meetings to share back creative solutions.Ability to utilize project management tools.Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Other Related Duties:

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position is an individual contributor with no direct reports. 

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage complex projects from start to finish.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.Knowledge of project management tools and software, such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college in Business, Marketing, Communications, Project Management, or equivalent professional experience.Eight (8) + year’s related experience in project management.Three (3) years of experience in years in a leadership role.Experience managing cross-functional projects and initiatives, including technology implementations, process improvement initiatives, and digital marketing.Experience managing teams and developing career development plans.Experience developing and maintaining project plans, timelines, and budgets.Experience identifying and managing project risks and dependencies.Experience developing and implementing project management methodologies and best practices.Experience managing project management budgets and providing regular updates to executive leadership.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None required.

Work Complexity:

Problems and issues faced are difficult. Problems typically impact multiple departments. Problems are typically solved through drawing from prior experience and analysis of issues.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is normally performed in a typical interior office work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Freedom Mortgage is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential job functions of the position either with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants as well as employees are encouraged to meet with Human Resources as the organization shall review reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Job Responsibilities:

The statements reflect the general duties and responsibilities considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and should not be considered as an all-inclusive list of all the work requirements of the position. Freedom Mortgage Corporation may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.