Program Director - Temporary Worker

Job Description:

**TEMP ROLE

**5/15/2026-3/15/2027

**Hourly,  Non-Exempt on Dentsu Payroll, W2

**Remoteor Hybrid depending on Location

**Work in EST Time Zone with some flexibility

**Must be US Based

Company Description

Merkle, adentsucompany, powers theexperienceeconomy. For more than 35 years, the company has put people at the heart of its approach to digital business transformation. As the only integrated experience consultancy in the world with a heritage in data science and business performance, Merkle delivers holistic, end-to-end experiences that drive growth, engagement, and loyalty. Merkle'sexpertisehas earned recognition as a "Leader" by top industry analyst firms, in categories such as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management. With more than16,000 employees, Merkle operates in 30+ countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. 

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced TemporaryProgram Director to lead transformational marketing initiatives for our premier client portfolio while driving excellence across our program management practice. This senior leadership position requires a strategic and operationally sophisticated professional who can oversee one or more high-stakes programs, develop organizational capabilities, and serve as a trusted advisor to client executives. The ideal candidate brings deep marketing expertise, proven team leadership, and the ability to deliver exceptional results in fast-paced, complex agency environments serving both domestic and international markets. 

Key Responsibilities

Program Portfolio Leadership

• Direct a portfolio of enterprise-level marketing programs for 1 or more Fortune 500 clients 

  
  
  

• Define program vision, objectives, and success criteria in collaboration with client executives and agency leadership 

  
  
  

• Establish comprehensive program roadmaps that integrate multiple workstreams across digital transformation, customer experience, data analytics, and technology implementations 

  
  
  

• Ensure programs align with client business strategies and deliver measurable ROI and business impact 

  
  
  

• Lead program steering committees with senior client stakeholders, facilitating strategic decision-making and governance 

  
  
  

• Manage program interdependencies, risks, and resource conflicts across the portfolio 

  
  
  

Delivery Excellence & Governance

• Partner closely with Creative, Strategy, Data & Analytics, Technology, and CRM leadership to ensure integrated program delivery 

  
  
  

• Oversee end-to-end program execution ensuring deliverables meet quality standards, timelines, and budget parameters 

  
  
  

• Implement robust governance structures including escalation protocols, change management processes, and risk mitigation strategies 

  
  
  

• Monitor program health through comprehensive dashboards tracking scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client satisfaction metrics 

  
  
  

• Conduct regular program health assessments and implement corrective actions to address challenges 

  
  
  

• Ensure compliance with agency standards, client requirements, and regulatory obligations across all markets 

  
  
  

• Lead crisis management and issue resolution for high-impact program challenges 

  
  
  

• Facilitate post-program retrospectives capturing lessons learned and best practices 

  
  
  

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage program budgets ensuring profitability targets are achieved 

  
  
  

• Oversee resource planning and allocation across programs, optimizingutilization and capability deployment 

  
  
  

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and program profitability 

  
  
  

Operational & Process Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance delivery quality, team productivity, and client satisfaction 

  
  
  

• Establish and refine program management methodologies, tools, and templates aligned with industry best practices 

  
  
  

• Implement and optimize technology platforms supporting program planning, execution, and reporting 

  
  
  

• Create standardized frameworks for risk management, change control, and quality assurance 

  
  
  

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or related field required

  
  
  

• 12-15 years of progressive program/project management experience in marketing advertising, consulting, or digital agencies isa MUST

  
  
  

• 4-6 years of people management experience 

  
  
  

• Proven track record managing complex programs valued at $5M-$15M+ individually 

  
  
  

• Extensive experience with enterprise-level clients and multi-year strategic initiatives 

  
  
  

• Deep understanding of both US and international market dynamics and client expectations 

  
  
  

• History of delivering programs that drive significant business outcomes and client satisfaction 

  
  
  

Leadership Competencies

• Exceptional leadership presence and influencing skills, comfortable engaging with senior executives 

  
  
  

• Outstanding communication skills across written, verbal, and presentation formats 

  
  
  

• Experience leading through ambiguity and complexity in matrixed organizations 

  
  
  

• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and ability to navigate challenging stakeholder situations 

  
  
  

Technical Expertise

• Expert-level knowledge of program management methodologies including Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and hybrid approaches 

  
  
  

• Advanced proficiency with program management platforms (Monday.com, Workfront, Asana, Jira, Smartsheet, or similar) 

  
  
  

• Comprehensive knowledge of integrated marketing channels: digital, social, mobile, and email 

  
  
  

RequiredQualifications

• Agile/Scrum certifications (CSM, SAFe, etc.) in addition toleading teams inAgilemethodology

  
  
  

• Extensive experience at recognized marketing agenciesor top-tier consulting firms.(12-15 years of progressive program/project management experience in marketing advertising, consulting, or digital agencies isa MUST)

  
  
  

• Background in management consulting or digital transformation

  
  
  

Additional Information:

At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated asremote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office. 

The hourly pay range for this position is$73.32 - $118.67.The hourly pay rate for the successful candidate is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factorspermittedby law. Temporary employees are eligible for paid holidaysin accordance withdentsupolicy, as well as safe and sick time. This position is not eligible for any other benefits or other compensation. 

To begin the application process, please click on the "Apply" button at the top of this jobposting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted fornextsteps. 

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