Director of Project Services

DIRECTOR OF PROJECT MANAGEMENTExecution is not a department here. It is an expectation.Trozzolo Communications Group is looking for a Director of Project Management to serve as the vital operational heartbeat across our organization. Reporting directly to the President + Chief Operating Officer, this role operates at the center of agency delivery, workflow efficiency, team capacity, and operational excellence.We are NOT looking for a passive traffic coordinator or a checkbox manager.We are looking for a seasoned operational leader who acts like an owner. Someone who can command the room, bring clarity to complex projects, and optimize agency-wide workflows. Someone who understands how to balance rigor with empathy—protecting project profitability and timelines while ensuring our team has the support and resources to thrive.This is a highly visible, highly collaborative, and highly accountable agency leadership role.The person in this role will help shape:How we plan, price, and execute client work across every departmentHow we evaluate capacity, billable utilization, and resource allocationHow we select, implement, and leverage agency technology and systemsHow we mentor project managers and elevate agency-wide delivery standardsAnd ultimately, how we make them say “Gee Whiz!”If you are looking for a quiet executive role filled with maintenance-mode leadership, this is not it.No politics. No passengers. No whiners. Just smart people doing ambitious work, lifting each other up, and building something meaningful together.WHY THIS ROLE EXISTSTrozzolo is a group of problem-solvers and creative thinkers delivering high-impact work for our clients. As our agency continues to grow, we need a visionary operational leader who turns chaos into clarity and strategy into flawless execution.This role exists to:Own agency-wide project execution, timelines, and budget deliveryServe as a trusted strategic partner to Client Services, Growth, and Executive LeadershipEliminate operational bottlenecks and protect team capacity so no one is drowningBuild, document, and enforce scalable processes, systems, and best practicesWHAT YOU’LL DOLead Delivery & Operational Impact Own the Results: Ensure projects deliver real business impact. Act as the ultimate steward of budgets and timelines, sounding the alarm early to eliminate surprises.Partner on Growth & Pricing: Collaborate with Client Services and Growth teams to build accurate pricing estimates for proposals, ensuring work matches team capacity.Drive Process & Best Practices: Continuously challenge "how we do things" to find smarter, more efficient workflows. Document and enforce agency-wide standards and operational procedures.Balance Team Load: Perform weekly resource evaluations to balance workloads, prevent burnout, and resolve capacity imbalances with urgency.Track Operational Metrics: Routinely analyze and act on KPIs, including billable utilization rates, and non-billable activity trends.Manage Contractors & Non-Billable Work: Oversee non-billable project approvals and partner with the Finance Director to engage cost-effective contractor talent.Provide Refreshing Transparency: Speak straight truth regarding billable metrics, project realities, and process education.Be a Trusted Leader & Client Service Partner Serve as a trusted resource for colleagues across all departments to consult on operational and execution challenges.Handle internal matters with absolute confidentiality, integrity, and fairness.Oversee vendor management and ensure all team deliverables are timely and accurate.Drive Enterprise Thinking & Systems Align operational strategies with the agency's overarching vision and goals.Leverage, optimize, and train teams on agency systems (project management system, Excel, Google Workspace, AI tools) to maximize efficiency.Bring fresh, analytical problem-solving and logical rigor to policies, procedures, and assignments.Invest in Professional Development Stay ahead of industry trends, tools, and AI innovations that streamline agency work.Cross-train team members to maintain seamless operations during times of leave.Volunteer support across teams to build capabilities and strengthen the agency.WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKEProjects consistently delivered on time, on scope, and on budgetHigh Gantt chart accuracy and reliable team forecastingHealthy, balanced workload distribution across all internal teamsOptimized billable utilization aligned with individual and agency targetsScalable, documented workflows and best-in-class professional automation software utilizationTeams energized by clarity, calm leadership under pressure, and mutual supportWHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORExperience: 10+ years directing complex projects, with at least 3 years directly managing project managers or cross-functional teams. Advertising or marketing agency experience strongly preferred.Education: Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.Certification: PMP Certification is a plus.Systems Expertise: In-depth familiarity with project management and professional services automation systems (Project Management, Google Workspace, AI platforms); experience leading system selection/implementation is a strong asset.Supervisory Role: Proven success directing a project management organization, delegating effectively, and mentoring direct/indirect reports.Execution & Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex operational concepts to executive leadership.Metrics Mindset: Comfort driving towards performance goals.THE KIND OF PERSON WHO THRIVES HEREStrategic but practicalRelationship-oriented but results-drivenConfident without egoCalm, focused, and organized under pressureRefreshingly transparent and straightforwardA mentor who champions team wins and turns stumbles into growth opportunitiesEnergized by building systems, improving processes, and winningThe authentic kind of kind.ABOUT TROZZOLOTrozzolo Communications Group is an independent, integrated marketing communications agency headquartered in Kansas City. We are a group of problem-solvers and creative thinkers built around a unique family culture where we work hard, have each other's backs, and build extraordinary things together.Together, we believe ambitious ideas backed by strong execution still win.And we are building what comes next.