Marketing Creative Project Manager

REPORTS TO: Director of Sales and Advertising

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

Marketing Creative Project Manager
Operates as the operational hub of Lyric's Marketing department, ensuring all creative work moves from request to delivery with clarity, accountability, and brand consistency. Owns the systems, tools, and processes that keep the creative team running efficiently—serving as Asana superuser, Ziflow administrator, and the primary project‑management resource for internal departments and external partners. Leads the execution of direct mail campaigns and subscription ticket mailings from scoping through final delivery.

Systems Ownership & Creative Operations

Serve as Asana superuser and primary administrator: build and maintain project templates, manage team workspaces, generate reports, and drive adoption and best practices across Marketing and the organization

Serve as Ziflow superuser by configuring and managing proofing workflows, user access, and review cycles to ensure efficient feedback and approval processes

Maintain a comprehensive, integrated creative calendar tracking all active projects, key milestones, and delivery deadlines for all stakeholders

Develop, document, and continuously improve creative intake workflows, project templates, and operational processes

Lead departmental training on Asana, Ziflow, and project‑management processes; onboard new team members and stakeholders as needed

Manage the digital archive of final PDFs and source design files for Marketing and other departments, including work from external designers, ensuring organized, accessible, and consistently maintained records

Oversee company stationery and branded supply inventory (folders, letterhead, etc.); maintain up‑to‑date vendor information in Launchpad for team self‑service ordering

Accountable to the Creative Director, Brand and Design with regular check‑ins to ensure workflows and alignment in priorities

Creative Project Management — Partner & Internal Requests

Manage the full project lifecycle for all creative service requests from internal departments and external partners, from intake through final file release

Collect and prepare structured project briefs; establish scope, resources, and timelines at project kickoff

Set up and maintain project timelines in Asana; assign tasks and communicate schedules to design team members and requesting partners

Manage the distribution and tracking of proofs and review rounds; consolidate feedback and prepare clear edit direction for the design team

Coordinate quotes for outsourced production needs; manage vendor communications, file release, and invoice trafficking and documentation

Serve as the ongoing point of contact for active projects, fielding questions and providing regular status updates to all stakeholders

Collaborate with external designers as needed, ensuring consistent processes and brand standards are applied across all projects

Direct Mail Campaign Execution

Serve as project manager and primary point of contact for Lyric's seasonal direct mail campaigns and subscription ticket mailings (including digital‑averse audience segments)

Manage all phases of campaign execution including production timelines, print delivery schedules, postage requests, and postal requirements

Solicit competitive quotes from printers, mail houses, and data services vendors; support leadership in vendor selection and contract award

Coordinate mailing list preparation and variable data printing in collaboration with IT, Ticketing, and Marketing teams; manage release of all data files

Track campaign budgets; flag variances and ensure all projects are delivered within approved spending

Manage proofing and ensure all requested edits are incorporated prior to file release and print authorization

Oversee the production and delivery of Lyric Opera program books, including coordination of inserts and accessible format requirements

Cross‑Departmental Collaboration & Stakeholder Liaison

Act as the Marketing department's project‑management liaison for Development, Special Events, Lyric Unlimited, Production & Casting, and other internal teams

Coordinate creative deliverables across departments, ensuring consistency in branding, messaging, and timelines

Schedule and facilitate recurring meetings including Design Request/Review, All‑Marketing Bi‑Weekly, and Campaign Check‑Ins; prepare and distribute agendas and notes

Lead campaign close‑out processes: compile results, document learnings, and prepare share‑outs for the broader Marketing team

Facilitate retrospective reviews and post‑launch process improvement cycles

Quality Control & Final Approvals

Own the proofing and final approval process for all creative deliverables, ensuring accuracy, brand alignment, and incorporation of all requested changes before files go to print or publication

Coordinate institutional review needs for house programs, inserts, and accessible formats, managing internal timelines against publisher and vendor deadlines

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

4+ years of project‑management experience in a marketing, creative, production, or events environment

PMP certification is desirable

Technical Skills

Proficiency in Asana (or comparable project‑management platform) required; superuser‑level experience strongly preferred

Knowledge of Ziflow or comparable online proofing tool a plus

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace

Working knowledge of print production processes, direct mail execution, and variable data printing

Core Competencies

Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills; able to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing deadlines

Strong written and verbal communication skills; skilled at setting expectations, consolidating feedback, and keeping stakeholders informed

High attention to detail with a proactive approach to quality control and error prevention

Collaborative and diplomatic; comfortable working across departments and with external vendors and partners

Self‑directed, with the ability to identify process gaps and implement practical solutions

Familiarity with nonprofit and/or performing‑arts organizations is a plus

WORK CONDITIONS

Ability to occasionally oversee evening or weekend functions or performances

Sitting for extended periods of time

Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment

Ability to lift boxes and production materials

COMPENSATION

Job Classification: Full‑time, Exempt

Salary Range: $55,000 – $62,000 annually

Application Deadline: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 (5:00 pm CT)

Benefits: health, dental, vision, 403 B (no company match), 401 (k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, professional development opportunities, and complimentary tickets

EEO Statement
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio‑economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

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