Project & Operations Director (Brand Agency) (Chicago)

About our client

Studio Everywhere is a leading, global brand consultancy with an innovative business model built on a network of the world's highest profile independent strategic and creative talent. They harness rare talent to take business in bold new directions that accelerate growth. Their operations, platform, and network development functions support their client work with top VC firms and their portfolio businesses, all the way to global, F500 leaders.

About the role

Studio Everywhere is seeking an experienced Project & Operations Director to join the team and play a pivotal role in their growth. This position sits at the intersection of client services, project management, and business operationsacting as the connective tissue that ensures seamless delivery across their global network of talent while helping to build and refine their operational infrastructure.

As the Project & Operations Director , this person will partner closely with the cofounders to oversee the full picture of projects, understand how assets can be used across channels, and maintain a bird's eye view on agency projects, clients, efficiencies, and resourcing. This role requires someone who can both execute at a tactical level and contribute to strategic business planning.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Project Management

• Partner with cofounders to organize projects and ensure high quality delivery
• Oversee multiple client relationships and projects simultaneously, acting as the primary point of contact and strategic partner to clients
• Maintain excellent communication with clients, providing regular updates and managing expectations
• Establish effective client onboarding processes, status update documentation, and meeting cadences
• Foster a culture of transparency, honesty, and trust with both clients and internal teams
• Guide strategic planning and ensure deliverables meet client objectives and timelines
• Contribute to business development efforts by helping scope new projects and prepare estimates

Operations & Systems

• Develop, implement, and refine operational systems and processes to improve efficiency and scalabilityincluding the use of AI to drive greater efficiency and impact
• Set up and maintain systems for project management, resourcing, capacity planning, and financial tracking, geared to support their network-based model
• Create standardized templates for briefs, client communications, and other operational documents (SOPs, etc.)
• Oversee administrative functions including invoicing, contract management, and freelancer onboarding

Resource Management

• Build and maintain relationships with their network of world-class freelancers and specialist agency partners
• Manage project resourcing across their network of talent, ensuring the right people are assigned to the right projects
• Maintain oversight of project budgets and timelines, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic input on business operations and growth initiatives
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and implement solutions
• Contribute to the development of Studio Everywhere's service offerings and business model
• Help build and maintain Studio Everywhere's reputation for excellence in client service and project delivery

Qualifications

Experience

• 5-8+ years of experience in account management, project management, or operations roles at brand consultancies, digital / creative agencies, or similar organizations
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex creative projects and client relationships, in particular with brand transformation
• Experience working with distributed teams and/or managing freelance talent
• Background in building operational systems and processes
• Experience with project management, resource planning, and financial tracking tools

Skills & Attributes

• Self-starter who is proactive and acts on opportunities without being directed
• Strong communication skills with the ability to filter information effectively for audiences
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Adaptive approach to understanding existing processes before implementing changes
• Producer mindsetability to see steps ahead and get into the details when needed
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical execution
• Taste and familiarity with creative work and processes
• Extremely organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• AI-native mindset

What They Offer

• Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing global brand consultancy
• Work with world-class talent and innovative clients
• Remote-first work environment, global travel opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Wide open professional development opportunities
• Collaborative, supportive, and entrepreneurial culture
• Salary: $115,000 - $130,000/year