Project Manager (Independent Contractor)

Who we are:

The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country's most iconic social impact campaigns - Smokey Bear, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more.

Job Summary:

The Ad Council's Creative Services & Distribution Team is looking for a Project Manager (Independent Contractor) who will play a key role in supporting the VP, Studio Manager of the Creative Studio. In this role, you will manage complex, time-sensitive projects for both campaigns and internal initiatives and provide communication regarding status to the appropriate staff and teams. You will be responsible for maintaining schedules, assignments, approvals, and final billing.

Compensation and Length of Engagement:

The Ad Council is seeking an experienced independent contractor to work on a contract basis. We presently anticipate the scope and length of the engagement to be approximately 35 hours per week for 6 months, with the possibility of extending the contract. The compensation for this position is $60 per hour, paid monthly. The independent contractor will receive a 1099 for tax reporting purposes. This is a fully remote position.

What you'll do:

Design Team

• Assist in managing the print production and distribution process, i.e., circulate proofs & follow-up on approvals
• Monitor the status of current projects and utilize Smartsheets platform to track project details for the Studio
• Support project leads to ensure deadlines are met with internal & external stakeholders.
• Clarify details of Design Requests with Ad Council stakeholders and add new projects to Design Studio's project management tool.
• Work with VP, Studio Manager to create purchase orders in the Donovan Data System.
• Administrator of Basecamp, Canva, and Smart Sheets for the Design Studio.
• Preparing monthly studio billing (ensure job numbers are open in Donovan).
• Upload OOH flex and digital billboard assets (PDFs, JPEGs) into the internal Digital Asset Management System.
• Coordinate the Flex Outdoor ordering process in conjunction with the Media team, Campaign Management, and external vendor. This includes:
  
  
  
  • Managing internal sign-up sheets
  • Opening and monitoring budgets with Campaign Management and Circle Graphics
  • Upload JPEGs of flex creative to Adcouncil.org/OOH
  • File expiration date forms for print & OOH
  
  
  
  
• Manage iStock photography downloads as requested
• Track the shipping of all time-sensitive opportunistic OOH jobs and report delivery status to Campaign Management and VP, Studio Manager
• Maintain files: including invoices, POs, approvals, freelancer timesheets
• Assist VP, Studio Manager, with ordering of premium items and awards for events and campaign teams
• Project manage all collateral for Ad Council's Annual Dinner, working with internal and external vendors.

Video Team

• Maintain and update FY26 budgetary spreadsheet, as well as individual project spreadsheet estimates
• Monitor AV request inbox messages; delegate to appropriate Studio/distribution member
• Support project leads to ensure deadlines are met with internal & external stakeholders.
• Acquire/send proper Vendor paperwork to Accounting for invoice processing
• Drafting SOWs and contacting Legal when appropriate (project-based)
• Maintain files: including invoices, POs, approvals, etc.

What you bring:

• 3+ years of experience in project management, ideally at an agency or in-house design department
• Highly organized with the ability to manage details of multiple ongoing projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Solutions-oriented mindset
• Ability to manage project times and schedules wisely.
• Works well both autonomously and in groups.
• Strong communication skills - both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with project management tools (a plus if in Asana, Basecamp, or Smartsheets)
• Experience in Microsoft Suite is required, and any experience in Canva a plus

Qualities of a standout candidate:

• Self-Starter with a good sense of humor

What we're committed to:

At the Ad Council, we value and celebrate the unique characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. Fostering a welcoming environment allows us to enhance and reimagine how we reach our audiences. It is not simply our belief, but our duty, to cultivate a team that is representative of the American people. Only then can we drive true, measurable, and life-changing impact on the most important issues facing our country today.

The Ad Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any legally protected status.

The Ad Council invites all qualified interested applicants to apply for career opportunities. In accordance with the EEOC, if you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please submit your request through one of the following methods listed below.

How to reach us:

To apply online: https://www.adcouncil.org/join-our-team

Email: (careers@adcouncil.org)

Fax (212) 922-1676

or

Ad Council

Attn: People Operations Team

815 2nd Avenue, 9th Floor

New York, NY 10017