Project Management Lead

About UsWe are a recently Series A funded technology and lifestyle startup headquartered in Irvine, California with a fashion/design office in Seoul, South Korea. Our brand spans multiple touchpoints including digital art, social media, fashion merchandise, music events, community meetups, and digital applets. We blend social media technology with authentic community building both online and offline. Role OverviewWe're seeking a Director of Program Management to serve as a key coordinator and operational enabler across our rapidly growing organization. Reporting directly to the CEO with daily hands-on interaction, this role acts as an orchestrator of cross-functional initiatives and processes, ensuring alignment between vision and team execution. The position serves as an operational force multiplier for the CEO's office, coordinating complex projects and maintaining organizational momentum.Position ContextDirect report to CEO with daily collaborative workflow and hands-on project oversightActs as an extension of the CEO's office for operational oversight and project alignmentMaintains constant communication loop with CEO on all significant operational mattersDemonstrates exceptional commitment to organizational prioritiesServes as a neutral coordinator between different functional areasFacilitates rather than directs, ensuring successful project execution through influence and collaborationMaintains organizational cohesion through process implementation and monitoringOperates with high flexibility and availability to meet organizational needsKey ResponsibilitiesCEO Office CoordinationMaintain daily active collaboration with CEO on operational priorities and project statusLead daily status reviews and priority alignment sessions with CEOServe as operational proxy for CEO on day-to-day project oversightEnsure real-time information flow between CEO's office and all functional teamsProvide immediate warning system for potential issues requiring attentionCoordinate and prepare materials for reviews and strategic planning sessionsExecute rapid follow-up on CEO directives across teamsMaintain dynamic project tracking system accessible to CEO in real-timeCross-Functional Program ManagementOversee project management tools (Jira, Linear) and processes across all departmentsImplement and maintain agile methodologies across appropriate teamsCoordinate digital and design teams with real-world community initiativesManage timeline alignment between product releases, platform updates, and cultural eventsEstablish processes for seamless execution of cross-platform projects and collaborationsBuild scalable systems for managing both online and offline community experiencesProcess OptimizationDesign and implement standardized project management methodologiesCreate and maintain documentation for operational processesEstablish regular check-ins with team leadsDevelop and maintain project timelines and resource allocation plansIdentify and resolve operational bottlenecks proactivelyCore CompetenciesOrganizational ManagementDemonstrated ability to coordinate and influence across functional areas without direct authorityAdvanced capacity for project orchestration across technical and creative disciplinesSophisticated interpersonal awareness with proven ability to navigate complex organizational dynamicsRefined diplomatic skills with demonstrated success in multi-cultural business environmentsStrategic execution capabilities with emphasis on CEO office alignmentProfessional AttributesExceptional composure and decision-making capabilities under high-pressure circumstancesDemonstrated commitment to professional development and continuous improvementAdvanced initiative in identifying and addressing operational challengesEmotional intelligence with demonstrated cultural competencyInnate understanding of contemporary cultural movements and digital communitiesCommunication ExcellenceVersatile communication capabilities across technical, creative, and business contextsProven ability to facilitate understanding between diverse stakeholder groupsExceptional clarity and precision in professional communicationsAdvanced presentation and narrative development skillsDemonstrated expertise in stakeholder management and alignmentOperational ApproachExceptional analytical precision while maintaining strategic perspectiveAdvanced problem-solving capabilities with emphasis on preventative measuresDemonstrated proficiency in ambiguous business environmentsSuperior pattern recognition and systematic thinking abilitiesRefined judgment in balancing procedural consistency with operational adaptabilityWorking StyleThe ideal candidate thrives in a high-touch, daily collaborative environment working directly with leadership. This role requires someone who:Excels in daily, hands-on interaction with CEO and team leadsDemonstrates exceptional commitment and availability to organizational prioritiesTakes satisfaction from behind-the-scenes orchestration and enabling others' successMaintains neutrality while building strong relationships across all departmentsCan represent the CEO's office effectively while staying in coordination roleApproaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindsetValues results over recognitionUnderstands the delicate balance of when to step in and when to step backComfortable with fluid, real-time priority adjustmentsThrives on frequent communication and rapid feedback loopsEmbraces the dynamic nature of a fast-growing startup environmentPrioritizes organizational needs with appropriate urgency and flexibilityRequired Qualifications3-6 years of experience in program/project management rolesStrong understanding of agile methodologies and best practicesExperience with Jira and modern project management toolsTrack record of successfully managing complex, cross-functional projectsExperience working with international teamsBachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferredPreferred QualificationsExperience managing projects across digital platforms and real-world community experiencesTrack record of coordinating creative launches in lifestyle, music, or cultural spacesUnderstanding of both online community engagement and live event executionBackground in scaling designer/lifestyle brands or cultural platformsExperience bridging technical teams with creative/cultural initiativesFamiliarity with music industry or cultural event production a plusLocation & TravelBased in Orange County, CaliforniaWork out of office in Irvine, California 5 days a weekOccasional travel to Korea office (quarterly)Flexibility to work across multiple time zones for Korea team coordinationSchedule adaptability for real-time collaboration with international teamsHigh degree of availability and responsiveness requiredSuccess MetricsEffectiveness of project coordination and timeline adherenceQuality and timeliness of CEO office supportImplementation of sustainable operational processesTeam satisfaction with project management systems and toolsAccuracy and usefulness of progress reporting and forecastingProactive identification and resolution of cross-functional challengesStrength of relationships across all organizational levelsImpact on organizational efficiency and project completion ratesWhat We OfferCompetitive compensation packageComprehensive health benefitsFlexible PTO policyProfessional development opportunitiesInternational work experienceOpportunity to shape the future of a fast-growing startup in a key operational roleInterested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and relevant portfolio of past project management successes.

Created: 2025-01-19