Director of Project Management

Pinkston’s Director of Project Management manages client needs by building and leading a structured, scalable project management function. This role is critical in ensuring operational efficiency, optimizing workflows, and driving the seamless execution of client projects across the agency’s integrated marketing, creative, digital, and public relations services. The Director will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive project management framework that enhances collaboration, improves resource allocation, and ensures project deliverables meet quality, timeline, and budget expectations.

Additional Details

• Status: Exempt-Salaried
• Work Location: Falls Church, Virginia
• Travel: 0 to 5%
• Reports to: Josh Robinson, President and Chief Brand Officer 
• Start Date: April 1st

Role Responsibilities

Project Management Framework Development

• Design and implement a scalable project management framework tailored to the needs of an integrated agency.
• Standardize workflows for marketing, creative, and PR deliverables to optimize efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Document and maintain processes to ensure consistency and clarity across teams.
• Build a repository of project templates to improve execution speed and accuracy.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures within the project lifecycle.

Project Planning & Execution

• Oversee project scoping, timeline development, budgeting, and resource planning to ensure seamless execution.
• Utilize project management software to assign tasks, track progress, and optimize workflows.
• Identify potential bottlenecks and proactively implement solutions to mitigate risks.
• Forecast the required resource allocations for high probability and signed work inside the business development pipeline.
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, and onboard top-tier project management professionals.
• Build, lead, and mentor a team of project managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, providing actionable feedback and development opportunities.
• Encourage innovation by implementing best practices and new methodologies to improve project outcomes.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Act as the primary liaison between project management, account services, creative, digital, and production teams.
• Foster strong working relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and project execution.
• Promote a culture of shared accountability for project success.
• Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings to assess project health, address challenges, and drive efficiency.
• Partner with the business development team to ensure realistic scope and pricing throughout the pitch process.

Process Optimization & Change Management

• Assess current processes and implement data-driven improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead change management efforts to ensure the smooth adoption of new project management methodologies and tools.
• Train staff on best practices, frameworks, and technology adoption.
• Develop scalable solutions to accommodate growth and evolving client needs.

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for project success, efficiency, and profitability.
• Generate insights through data analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
• Provide executive leadership with regular reports on project performance, challenges, and opportunities.

Requirements

Skills & Qualifications

Required:

• 6+ years of experience in project management within an integrated marketing and/or advertising agency.
• Proven expertise in establishing and scaling project management frameworks in a fast-paced agency environment.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid).
• Expertise in multiple project management software platforms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Wrike, ClickUp, Screendragon, Smartsheet, or equivalent tools).
• Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects with tight deadlines.
• Ability to drive process improvements and lead organizational change in a high-growth setting.
• Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Strong ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on project execution.
• Alignment with Pinkston’s guiding principles.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field.
• Experience working directly with business development teams to refine project scopes and pricing strategies.

Conclusion

This is an exciting opportunity to lead project management transformation within a rapidly evolving agency. The Director of Project Management will play a critical role in optimizing processes, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring the successful execution of high-impact client projects. If you are a seasoned project management leader with experience building operational frameworks in an integrated marketing or advertising setting, we encourage you to apply and be a part of Pinkston’s next phase of growth.

Who We Are

Pinkston is a strategic communications firm that builds world-changing outcomes for its clients and their communities. For more than 20 years, Pinkston has helped clients in a diverse range of industries find and refine their stories and share them with the world in unique and impactful ways. Our vision is to help our clients solve their toughest strategic challenges and make an outsized impact on their organization and the worlds they touch. 

Benefits

Pinkston offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes company-sponsored health, dental, and vision plans accompanied by employer-funded life insurance, HRA, and short-term disability plan. Optional long-term disability and additional Life Insurance are also available. Pinkston provides a 401k retirement plan and contributes to each employee’s retirement annually regardless of employee participation.

At Pinkston, we believe great things happen when people come together and are committed to building a collaborative in-person work environment. Pinkston is also committed to a healthy work-life balance. We offer flexibility through an innovative hybrid work model that gives team members the opportunity to work from home 30% of the time. Pinkston provides generous holiday and vacation policies, paid parental leave, and an additional week of paid “volunteer time off” to encourage employees to invest time in a 501C non-profit of their choice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pinkston is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Pinkston makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.