Associate Director, Program Management

The Associate Director, Program Management at MERGE plays a vital role in overseeing project management activities, ensuring successful project delivery within scope, timelines, and budgets. This includes leading a talented team, driving project estimations, managing risks, and maintaining close communication with clients to ensure their needs are met.

To qualify for the Associate Director, Program Management position at MERGE, candidates should have 7-8 years of project management experience in integrated marketing, ideally in an advertising agency setting. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required, along with a proven track record of cross-functional collaboration and managing client communications, particularly within the health insurance sector.

At MERGE, we are committed to creating an engaging work experience that encourages our team members, including the Associate Director, Program Management, to grow both personally and professionally. We provide resources and mentorship aimed at helping employees elevate their skills and advance their careers within the company.

The Associate Director, Program Management at MERGE will have experience using both Waterfall and Agile methodologies. These approaches are critical in adapting to project needs and delivering exceptional results efficiently, ensuring that our diverse projects are managed effectively through the chosen frameworks.

The salary range for the Associate Director, Program Management position at MERGE is between $88,450 and $106,150. This range is based on the individual's experience and qualifications, and we are committed to fair compensation practices, which are transparent in our job postings.

In handling conflicts within the project team, I believe in addressing issues openly and quickly. I ensure that I listen to all perspectives and facilitate a discussion to find common ground. I focus on data-driven solutions and encourage collaboration to achieve our shared goals.

When managing multiple projects, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use project management tools to track deadlines and deliverables, align resources effectively, and communicate transparently with team members to ensure everyone understands the priorities and goals.

To ensure a project stays within budget, I proactively track project expenditures and compare them against our forecasts. Regular check-ins and progress reports allow me to identify any discrepancies in expenses early, enabling us to implement corrective actions if necessary.

In one project, we faced a risk due to key staff turnover. I addressed this promptly by reallocating resources and increasing team collaboration to cover essential tasks. Additionally, I implemented a knowledge transfer process to ensure that all critical information was documented and accessible.

Communication is central to my project management approach. I ensure that there are established channels for updates and feedback between clients and teams. Regular meetings and status reports enhance transparency and foster trust, ultimately leading to project success.

I measure project success using key performance indicators established at the project outset, such as on-time delivery, budget compliance, client satisfaction, and post-project reviews. Gathering feedback helps us improve future project execution.

I have extensive experience with Agile methodologies, which I use to respond quickly to changes and enhance team collaboration. Daily stand-ups and iterative feedback loops allow us to adapt to project needs and incorporate stakeholder insights effectively.

To meet deadlines without compromising quality, I set realistic timelines and ensure that resources are adequately allocated. I emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards through regular check-ins and quality assurance processes.

I motivate my project team by fostering a positive environment and recognizing individual contributions. I set shared goals, celebrate milestones, and encourage personal development opportunities, which together create an empowered and engaged team.

I approach stakeholder management by identifying all key stakeholders at the beginning of the project. I engage them through regular updates, feedback sessions, and open communication to ensure their expectations are aligned with project outcomes. This proactive engagement helps build trust and support.