Program Director

At AKQA, we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products, and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital experiences that capture the imagination and deliver measurable impact for our clients. Program Directors provide the connective tissue between vision and execution across some of our most ambitious, high-value client partnerships. They are trusted leaders who bring clarity to complexity, ensuring alignment, quality, and progress across multi-market initiatives and cross-disciplinary teams. Equal parts strategist, operator, and mentor, they create the conditions for creativity and performance to thrive — guiding both clients and internal teams toward outcomes that move people and businesses forward. This is a remote role based in the U.S. While we collaborate with teams across time zones, our core hours follow Eastern Time. East Coast candidates are preferred for closer alignment with agency and client teams. Role Requirements Proven experience leading large-scale, global programs across multiple workstreams, regions, and disciplines — including brand, campaign, and digital experience delivery. Demonstrated ability to structure and oversee multi-million-dollar engagements, managing integrated portfolios with shared dependencies and complex stakeholder landscapes. A strong command of agency operations and delivery practices, including scope definition, staffing models, financial forecasting, and performance measurement. Deep experience serving as a strategic partner to senior clients — influencing program direction, shaping roadmaps, and ensuring delivery excellence that advances business transformation. Expertise in program planning and governance, driving accountability across distributed teams while enabling flexibility to meet evolving priorities. Proven ability to orchestrate collaboration across creative, strategy, technology, and media disciplines — ensuring cohesive, effective outcomes. Skilled at navigating multi-market coordination, balancing regional nuances with global brand consistency. A natural leader and coach, able to develop and empower Program Managers, Producers, and Delivery Leads, providing mentorship, direction, and growth opportunities. Fluency in delivery methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid) and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet), adapting process to engagement. Experience developing and managing contractual agreements (SOWs, MSAs, partner agreements) and ensuring compliance with client and agency standards. Strong commercial acumen — able to identify opportunities, balance risk and reward, and ensure work is delivered profitably and sustainably. Ability to act as a cultural ambassador, championing AKQA’s values and engaging with communities and industry to elevate our impact. Qualities and Characteristics A strategic leader and operational driver, equally adept at defining long-term vision and ensuring flawless execution. Confident and credible with senior executives, able to influence, align, and inspire across global client and internal teams. Empathetic and collaborative, fostering trust, cohesion, and a “One Team” mindset across markets and disciplines. Composed under pressure, bringing structure and perspective to complex, fast-moving environments. Passionate about both brand storytelling and digital innovation, understanding how creativity, technology, and data combine to deliver transformative experiences. A mentor and multiplier, committed to developing talent, growing capability, and elevating the craft of program management. Highly organized, analytical, and financially disciplined, simplifying complexity without diluting ambition. Visionary yet pragmatic — translating ambition into structured, actionable plans that guide diverse teams toward shared goals. A cultural leader and community representative, engaging externally to amplify AKQA’s reputation and thought leadership. A continuous improver, embodying AKQA’s values of Innovation, Service, Quality, and Thought in everything they do. Brings 10+ years of program or delivery leadership experience in creative, digital, or integrated agency environments, leading cross-functional delivery teams at scale. Explore our extensive range of benefits . We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.