Marketing Program Manager

About TrailBlaze Creative

TrailBlaze Creative is an award-winning marketing and communications firm built for organizations doing work that matters. We partner primarily with nonprofits, public institutions, and mission‑driven businesses to help them communicate clearly, build trust, and expand their impact. Our work spans branding, campaigns, digital platforms, and long‑term communications leadership through our signature Marketing-in-Residence® model. Through this model, we embed experienced marketing professionals directly into organizations to provide consistent strategy, guidance, and execution.

At TrailBlaze, communication is not cosmetic. It shapes how organizations are understood, how they build support, and how their work moves forward.

We believe good work deserves better communication.

About the Role

The Marketing-in-Residence® Program Manager plays a central role in supporting TrailBlaze’s growing portfolio of embedded client partnerships. This position helps ensure that the work happening across our Marketing-in-Residence engagements moves forward smoothly and intentionally. You will work closely with TrailBlaze leadership, strategists, designers, and client teams to coordinate projects, track deliverables, and maintain the systems that keep our work organized and effective.

Think of this role as the connective tissue across our Marketing-in-Residence program. You will help translate strategy into structured work plans, keep timelines moving, and make sure the right people have the information they need at the right time.

If you enjoy building systems, organizing complex work, and helping creative teams do their best work, this role will likely feel very natural to you. However, it isn’t all project coordination. This position will also provide backup strategic and tactical support to client programs and projects, as needed. No two days at TrailBlaze look exactly the same. One day, you might be helping coordinate the production of an annual report for a nonprofit partner. The next, you may be setting up workflows for a new client engagement or managing timelines across multiple campaigns.

You will have a front‑row seat to the impact our clients are making—and a meaningful role in helping deliver the work that supports them.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing-in-Residence Program Operations

• Coordinate operational workflows across TrailBlaze’s portfolio of Marketing-in-Residence clients
• Translate marketing strategies into clear work plans with defined timelines and deliverables
• Maintain visibility across projects so work progresses consistently and efficiently
• Support the continued development of internal systems and processes that help the MiR program scale sustainably

Project Management & Workflow Coordination

• Manage project timelines across multiple client engagements
• Maintain project management systems such as Airtable, Monday.com, and Google Workspace
• Coordinate collaboration between TrailBlaze strategists, designers, and other team members
• Monitor workload distribution and help ensure resources are used effectively

Client Engagement Support

• Assist with onboarding new Marketing-in-Residence clients and establishing workflows for each engagement
• Prepare materials and documentation for internal and client meetings
• Capture decisions, action items, and next steps so everyone stays aligned
• Manage revision cycles, approvals, and production timelines for marketing deliverables
• Assist project managers in keeping all clients moving forward with strategic and/or tactical support

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Help design and refine internal workflows that improve efficiency and clarity across projects
• Identify operational bottlenecks and recommend improvements
• Maintain organized project documentation and internal knowledge systems
• Contribute to the continued evolution of TrailBlaze’s Marketing-in-Residence model

Desired Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who combines operational clarity with an appreciation for creative work.

Required Experience

• 5–7 years of experience in project management, operations, or program management
• Experience working within a creative agency, marketing environment, or nonprofit communications setting
• A demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Experience coordinating work across cross‑functional teams

Preferred Experience

• Managing marketing or communications campaigns
• Working with nonprofit organizations or mission‑driven institutions
• Supporting creative production processes such as design, digital content, or campaigns
• Familiarity with nonprofit calendars such as board meetings, fundraising cycles, and annual reporting

Tools & Systems

Experience with platforms such as:

• Airtable
• Monday.com
• HubSpot or other CRM systems
• Google Workspace
• Project management or workflow automation tools

Core Traits We Value

The strongest candidates for this role typically demonstrate:

• Operational clarity – You bring structure to complex projects and help teams stay organized.
• Strategic awareness – You understand how daily tasks connect to larger goals.
• Attention to detail – You take pride in ensuring work is thoughtful, accurate, and complete.
• Collaborative mindset – You enjoy working with others and helping teams function well together.
• Mission alignment – You care about the communities and organizations our clients serve.

What You’ll Experience at TrailBlaze

TrailBlaze is a small, collaborative team working alongside organizations that are making meaningful contributions to their communities.

In this role you will gain:

• Exposure to a wide range of nonprofit missions and community initiatives
• Opportunities to shape internal systems within a growing firm
• Collaboration with experienced strategists and creative professionals
• A meaningful role in helping organizations communicate their impact

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $60,000‑$70,000 (based on experience)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Remote work with opportunities for in‑person collaboration
• Paid time off
• Professional development support

Location

This position is based in Pittsburgh, PA, or Columbus, OH, with flexibility for remote work and periodic in‑person collaboration.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter sharing your interest in the role
• Work samples or examples of relevant project management experience

Please note that we are a creative firm seeking innovative people who can demonstrate attention to detail. This assessment begins with your application materials. Show us you are creative and a fit for our team!

Send materials to: jobs@trailblazecreative.com

TrailBlaze Creative is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applicants of all backgrounds