Sr. Associate, Program Management

This is a hybrid role to be based near one our offices in New York City, Los Angeles or Austin

About Us

We turn customer challenges into growth opportunities.

Material is a global strategy partner to the world’s most recognizable brands and innovative companies. Our people around the globe thrive by helping organizations design and deliver rewarding customer experiences.

We use deep human insights, design innovation, and data to create experiences powered by modern technology. Our approaches speed engagement and growth for the companies we work with and transform relationships between businesses and the people they serve.

About the Sr. Associate, Program Management

Material is looking for a driven, highly autonomous Sr. Associate, Program Management to join our team. This role is built for a self-motivated go-getter who thrives in dynamic environments, takes end-to-end ownership of complex initiatives, and leads cross-functional teams independently while collaborating seamlessly with peer Program Managers.

You will manage day-to-day execution and client relationships across a wide variety of workstreams—that may include Brand Design, Social, and Website Development to User Experience Research and Strategy. The ideal candidate is an extremely detail-oriented multitasker with a bias for action, strong problem-solving skills, and a forward-thinking approach that includes leveraging modern AI tools to optimize workflows.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Team Support: Lead smaller, targeted projects initially from kickoff through delivery, while supporting senior Program Managers on larger initiatives and aligning with broader client and portfolio goals.
• Versatile Scope Execution: Oversee day-to-day execution across diverse creative, strategic, and technical deliverables, including Brand Design, Social campaigns, Website Development, User Experience Research, and overarching Strategy.
• AI Tool Integration: Utilize modern AI capabilities (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc.) to streamline daily PM tasks, draft documentation, optimize communication, and drive operational efficiency.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Serve as a trusted, proactive go-to resource for cross-functional teams and client stakeholders, providing clear answers, setting expectations, and managing day-to-day communication.
• Project Delivery & Financial Health: Prepare and communicate detailed project plans, milestones, workstreams, and budgets. Track progress in internal management tools to ensure high-quality delivery, timeline adherence, and project profitability.
• Proactive Risk Management: Identify potential operational, resource, or scope issues early, developing solutions independently and knowing when and how to escalate detailed risks to leadership.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Adapt quickly to shifting client priorities, navigate ambiguity with composure, and maintain high team morale under tight deadlines.

What We Are Looking For

• 2–4 years of program/project management experience within a agency, fast-paced tech company, or media environment.
• Proven Autonomy & Initiative: A track record of taking ownership and leading teams independently with minimal oversight, paired with the collaborative mindset required to partner effectively with other PMs.
• AI Tool Familiarity: Practical, hands-on familiarity with AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) to boost productivity and workflow management.
• Multi-Discipline PM Experience: Demonstrated ability to drive projects across multiple disciplines (Brand Design, Social, Web Dev, Research, Strategy).
• Flawless Communication & Detail Focus: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with an eye for detail and a deep understanding of nuanced client interactions.
• Drive & Accountability: A self-starter mentality—someone who takes full ownership of outcomes, focuses on tangible results, and moves projects forward proactively.

Why work for Material?

• Material is a global company and we work with best-of-class brands worldwide. We also create and launch new brands and products, putting innovation and value creation at the center of our practice. Our clients are in the top of their class, across industry sectors from technology to retail, transportation, finance and healthcare.
• Material employees join a peer group of exceptionally talented colleagues across the company, the country, and even the world. We develop capabilities, craft and leading-edge market offerings across seven global practices including strategy and insights, design, data & analytics, technology and tracking. Our engagement management team makes it all hum for clients.
• A community focused on learning and making an impact. Material is an outcomes focused company. We create experiences that matter, create new value and make a difference in our clients' lives and their customers' lives.

Pay Range: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00

The range shown represents a grouping of relevant ranges currently in use at Material. Actual range for this position may differ, depending on location and specific skillset required for the work itself.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

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