Simplissimus, a boutique design firm catering to cultural and non-profit clients, is currently in search of a Freelance Project Manager for their New York, NY office. This position is available from January through April 2024 and requires the successful candidate to oversee multiple ongoing design projects from start to finish. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of leading fast-paced projects to completion, a strong knowledge of the design industry and process, and the ability to manage tight project deadlines. Excellent communication and organizational skills are a must, as well as proficiency in project management tools such as Basecamp, Asana, and Monday.com. As an intermediary between the team and clients, the Freelance Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating project details in real time, maintaining proactive communication, and managing schedules.
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Job Description
Overview
The freelance project manager position at Simplissimus is a unique opportunity within the design industry. Simplissimus is a boutique design firm specializing in cultural and non-profit clients. The project manager will work closely with a tightly-knit team to oversee multiple ongoing design jobs from start to finish. This position requires someone with excellent organizational skills, the ability to work on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, and outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Responsibilities
As the intermediary between the team and clients, the freelance project manager will play a crucial role in ensuring effective communication and collaboration. They will be responsible for handling all incoming job requests and managing schedules, including rescheduling when necessary. Additionally, the project manager will maintain proactive and consistent communication with clients to assess their needs and provide project schedules and updates.
One of the key responsibilities of the project manager is to manage the production of design projects from concept to design, development, and delivery. This includes coordinating with the design team, ensuring the timely completion of tasks, and overseeing the progress of each project. The project manager will also liaise with printers and outside vendors as needed to ensure smooth execution and delivery of the design projects.
Skills
To excel in this role, the project manager should have a deep knowledge of the design industry and its processes. They should be familiar with the methods commonly used in the industry and be able to apply them effectively. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for effective client communication and collaboration with the team.
The freelance project manager must possess exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. They should be able to prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, as it demonstrates a foundation of knowledge and commitment to the profession.
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Overview
Company Background
Simplissimus is a boutique design firm with a specialization in cultural and non-profit clients. Known for their exceptional design work in these sectors, Simplissimus takes pride in delivering high-quality design solutions to their clients. The design firm is committed to creating impactful and visually compelling designs that effectively communicate the clients’ messages.
Job Duration
The freelance project manager position at Simplissimus is a temporary role that will last from January through April 2024. This period provides an excellent opportunity for the project manager to gain valuable experience and contribute to the success of various design projects within the firm.
Team Collaboration
The team at Simplissimus operates in a closely-knit manner, emphasizing collaboration and cooperation. As the freelance project manager, you will work closely with the design team, ensuring effective communication and coordination. Overseeing multiple ongoing design jobs from start to finish requires efficient collaboration and the ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously.
Responsibilities
Act as intermediary between team and clients
The freelance project manager plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the design team and clients. They serve as the main communication channel, conveying project details and updates to both parties. This ensures that the team understands the clients’ needs and expectations, leading to a successful execution of design projects.
Traffic all incoming job requests
Managing incoming job requests is an essential responsibility of the project manager. They will need to efficiently handle and prioritize incoming requests, ensuring that each request is assigned to the appropriate team member and that deadlines are met. This requires strong organizational and time management skills.
Manage schedules (and rescheduling)
The project manager will be responsible for creating and managing schedules for design projects. This includes setting realistic deadlines, assigning tasks to team members, and monitoring progress to ensure timely completion. Additionally, the project manager should be prepared to handle any rescheduling needs that may arise, adapting schedules as necessary to accommodate changes or unforeseen circumstances.
Maintain proactive, consistent communication with clients to assess needs
A critical aspect of the project manager’s role is maintaining proactive and consistent communication with clients. This involves regular check-ins to assess their needs, address any concerns or questions, and provide updates on project progress. By staying in close communication with clients, the project manager can ensure that their expectations are met and that any changes or revisions are addressed promptly.
Manage the production of design projects from concept to design, development, and delivery
From the initial concept stage to the final delivery, the project manager oversees the entire production process of design projects. This involves coordinating with the design team, monitoring the progress of each project, and ensuring that all tasks are completed on time. The project manager will play a vital role in ensuring that every design project meets the highest quality standards.
Provide project schedules and updates
Clear and accurate project schedules are essential for effective project management. The project manager will be responsible for creating and providing project schedules to the team, clients, and other stakeholders. Additionally, they will provide regular updates on project progress, keeping all parties informed and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Liaise with printers and outside vendors as needed
Collaboration with printers and outside vendors is often required to bring design projects to life. The project manager will take on the responsibility of liaising with these external partners, ensuring that all specifications and requirements are communicated effectively. This coordination is crucial for the successful execution and timely delivery of the design projects.
Skills
Knowledge of design industry and process
A deep understanding of the design industry and its processes is essential for a freelance project manager. This includes familiarity with various design software, production techniques, and industry standards. Knowledge of design principles, typography, color theory, and other design fundamentals will also be highly beneficial in managing design projects effectively.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills
Effective communication is at the core of the freelance project manager’s role. They must be able to convey project details, expectations, and updates to both the team and clients clearly and concisely. Strong written and oral communication skills are crucial for building and maintaining successful working relationships with clients and the design team.
Excellent organizational skills
Managing multiple projects simultaneously requires exceptional organizational skills. The project manager must be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and track progress effectively. Attention to detail and the ability to keep track of various project elements and their interdependencies are key to successful project management.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects
The freelance project manager will be working in a fast-paced environment, overseeing multiple design projects simultaneously. They must be able to adapt quickly to changing priorities, manage their time effectively, and work efficiently under pressure. The ability to multitask and stay organized in a dynamic environment is essential for success in this role.
Bachelor’s degree
While not mandatory, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can be an asset for a freelance project manager. A degree demonstrates a foundation of knowledge and commitment to the design profession. It can provide a broader understanding of design principles, project management methodologies, and industry trends, further enhancing the project manager’s ability to excel in their role.
By understanding the job description, responsibilities, skills, and overview of the freelance project manager position at Simplissimus, potential candidates can make informed decisions about whether this opportunity aligns with their expertise and career goals. Simplissimus offers a unique environment to work closely with a talented team, manage multiple design projects, and contribute to the success of cultural and non-profit clients.
