The project manager will be responsible for leading end-to-end project development and execution, including defining project milestones, owning internal timelines, and ensuring the quality of work meets Woodruff's standards. They are responsible for developing work plans, timelines, campaign schedules and providing resource and talent allocation recommendations to the project management lead. Additionally, they will be responsible for implementing processes to maximize efficiency, helping eliminate roadblocks, and working closely with all members of the project management team and other internal teams to ensure project success.

They work closely with other internal teams at Woodruff, in particular members of the account service team, to ensure the project is progressing on time as well as within scope and budget. Outstanding candidates communicate comfortably and effectively, in addition to identifying, managing and appropriately escalating risks and issues to the project management lead.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 2-3 years of traditional and digital project management or other relevant experience.

This person could be located in the Kansas City, MO, office; Columbia, MO, office; or remote.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Creates and maintains project information in project management systems, and tracks project progress to key milestones and escalates risks or issues to the appropriate parties to communicate changes in timing with internal teams 
• Understands and communicates project objectives and scope, including budgetary and resource considerations, to align work plan and resources to effectively manage scope profitability to the pricing established 
• Builds out a project work plan and timeline from inception (kickoffs) to internal reviews, through to completion and delivery of projects and/or campaigns 
• Manages and communicates timing, and changes in timing, to project owners using:
  • Daily schedules
  • Status reports
  • Timelines
  • Daily check-ins
  • Weekly status meetings. 
• Tracks project scope and elevates scope creep or scope changes that are expected to exceed the desired outcome to the project management lead, account service team and VP, revenue & diversification 
• Independently manages projects for accounts assigned by the project management lead 
• Is a resource for new employees on project management processes and project management software (Wrike) 
• Seeks ongoing self-development by staying up-to-date on best practices and has an interest in continuing education opportunities focused on learning different project management methodologies 
• Provides recommended updates to current agency processes, workflows, models and structure to the project management lead 
• Provides resources/talent recommendations to the project management lead and coordinates with appropriate team leads to manage resources (staff) against project work plans.

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Experience developing and documenting processes, project milestones and timelines
• Experience working on digital and traditional advertising projects
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Reliability and accountability
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Experience working with project management software and Google Workspace

Leader Behaviors:

• Open-minded and active listener 
• Continually grows people and business
• Truthful and transparent
• Decisive and accountable
• Forward-thinking
• Proactive and communicates in a positive manner. 

Education/Experience/Certification(s): 

• Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 2-3 years of traditional and digital project management experience.
• A degree in marketing or advertising or relevant work experience is preferred but not required.
• Professional experience in an agency setting or related field is preferred.

Woodruff’s Perks That Support Growth and Flexibility: 

We offer a range of benefits designed to support your work-life balance and empower you to stay creative, curious and courageous:

• Flexible work setup – Choose remote work, or join us in our Kansas City or Columbia, MO offices
• "Freedom Fridays" – No meetings on Friday mornings / Friday afternoons to use as you see fit
• Diverse, meaningful work – Contribute to projects across a wide range of industries
• Collaborative, growth-focused culture – Work with a supportive team that helps you build new skills
• And more – From wellness support to peer recognition, we value and invest in our people.