5+ years of project or program management experience in experiential marketing or live events
Proven experience managing six-figure budgets and understanding margin responsibility
Comfortable guiding clients through evolving situations with confidence
Ability to influence without formal authority in cross-functional teams
Emotional intelligence to balance strong decision-making with team dynamics
Demonstrated ownership in past projects, showcasing pride in managing outcomes
Bachelor's degree preferred, PMP certification is a plus
Responsibilities
Own execution, timeline, compliance, and profitability of assigned programs
Manage six-figure budgets with transparency and discipline
Serve as primary point of contact for clients from kickoff through recap
Lead internal cross-functional teams for successful tour operations
Recruit, train, and manage drivers and field staff remotely
Ensure compliance with DOT and safety regulations
Monitor KPIs, report performance, and analyze post-program results
Benefits
Competitive compensation package
Paid time off
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
Life insurance and short/long-term disability options
Retirement matching after one year
On-site private-use gym
Dog-friendly workspace
Full Job Description
Aardvark Studios is seeking a Program Manager to serve as the accountable owner of complex mobile tours and brand activations. This is a highly visible role with real responsibility, meaningful client partnership, and the autonomy to lead.
You won't be handed a script. You will be trusted to run the program.
What This Role Really is:
You are the operational leader of your assigned program.
You align production, tech, logistics, drivers, field staff, and agency stakeholders to deliver a seamless brand experience.
You anticipate issues before they surface. And when plans evolve - because in live programs they often do - you create clarity, protect the team, and guide the solution.
You establish structure.
You protect scope and budget.
You communicate directly and professionally.
You build trust with clients and internal teams.
You don't just manage tasks. You own outcomes.
Your Core Responsibilities:
Full ownership of assigned programs - execution, timeline, compliance, and profitability.
Managing six-figure budgets with discipline and transparency.
Serving as the primary client point of contact from kickoff through recap.
Leading cross-functional internal teams to launch and operate tours successfully.
Hiring, training, and remotely managing drivers and field staff.
Maintaining DOT and safety compliance.
Tracking KPIs, reporting performance, and delivering thoughtful post-program analysis.
Navigating real-time challenges with composure and sound judgment.
This role offers the opportunity to lead complex, high-visibility programs where your decision-making truly matters.
The Kind of Leader Who Thrives Here:
Have 5+ years of project or program management experience - ideally in experiential marketing, live events, tours, or agency environments
Have managed six-figure budgets and understand margin responsibility
Are comfortable guiding clients through evolving situations
Influence without formal authority
Bring calm structure to fast-moving environments
Balance confidence with emotional intelligence
Enjoy being trusted to make decisions
You take pride in ownership.
You value autonomy.
You like building strong programs and strong relationships.
Preferred:
PMP Certification a plus
Bachelor's degree preferred
How we'll measure success:
Client satisfaction and renewal
Budget performance and margin management
Operational excellence and compliance
Strong cross-functional alignment
What we offer:
Competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience
Paid time off
Medical / Dental / Vision benefits
Life insurance, short & long-term disability options
Retirement matching after 1 year
On-site private-use gym
Dog-friendly workspace
If you're looking for a role where you can lead, solve complex challenges, and see the direct impact of your work on high-profile programs, we'd love to meet you.
