Data Project Manager (Direct Mail)

Location Chicago, Illinois Job Category Project/Program Management Business Unit (brand) Rise Date posted 07/16/2026 Job ID 40921 Rise is an award-winning, full-service Media Agency of Record that is backed by data and powered by people. We create omnichannel experiences using our proprietary tech stack and advanced analytics capabilities to help solve the unique struggles brands face today. This approach, with transparency at its core, specializes in omnichannel media, commerce and retail media, advanced in-home media, as well as content and creator marketing. We offer "Risers" the opportunity to work in an ever-evolving industry that will foster learning and development, provide an innovative work environment with diverse projects and clients, career advancement paths a collaborative team environment, corporate social responsibility initiatives, an inclusive and diverse culture, plus association with a reputable media agency. We're looking for talent like you who can continue to elevate our work and culture. Location: Chicago, Sussex, or Minneapolis, 4 days in office Please note: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship, including F-1 visa holders requiring CPT, OPT, or future H-1B sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future immigration sponsorship. General Purpose of Job: As a Data Project Manager and member of the Agency Centralized PMO, you will serve as the connective hub across all agency disciplines — driving projects from inception through final execution. For this position, the projects to support will include audience targeting, test designs, measurement methods, geo-spatial delineation, mail file processing, and coordination across multiple campaigns running simultaneously across many geographies. You will partner closely with internal teams to plan, execute, and optimize projects while supporting and evolving agency processes. This role requires strong organizational skills, proactive problem solving, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, client-service environment. This person will support the Direct Mail Analytics projects across Quad-Rise. Project Management & Execution: Ensure timely delivery of mail files to manufacturing or back to the client, if Quad is not the printer. Serve as an additional checkpoint in the process of producing a mail file that matches the client's expectations and the strategy agreed upon. Manage a multitude of medium- to large-scale projects across disciplines, ensuring successful delivery from kickoff through final execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (creative, strategy, account, production, and media) to define project objectives, build timelines, and establish key milestones. Own project scope, schedules, and budgets, proactively managing changes, risks, and resources to ensure delivery on time, on budget, and to quality standards. Manage resource allocation and identify dependencies early to maintain workflow efficiency. Leverage project management tools (e.g., Workfront) to maintain transparency and provide clear visibility into progress, deliverables, and milestones. Communication & Collaboration: Partner with the Analytics Liaisons, Data Engineers, Strategists, and Account Leaders to ensure all requirements are met for each campaign, and all necessary details are communicated across these teams. Serve as the central point of contact between internal teams and account leads, managing day-to-day communications and ensuring alignment across stakeholders. Confidently manage tactical client communications, providing clear, timely updates on project status, risks, and milestones as required. Foster open and effective communication, proactively identifying and clearing roadblocks to maintain project momentum and deliver quality final deliverables. Track and prioritize deliverables and requests, ensuring transparency and accountability across teams. Bring a solutions-oriented mindset, offering recommendations to improve both project outcomes and operational efficiency. Team Support: Champion a positive, collaborative team culture by fostering trust, accountability, and open communication across all project teams. Support the adoption of agency processes, tools, and best practices — helping team members understand workflows and feel confident in their role within the broader project ecosystem. Serve as an advocate for continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to refine processes and championing changes that make teams more effective and aligned. Proactively surface risks and dependencies, bringing well-considered solutions to the team before issues impact delivery or morale. Provide day-to-day support to team members by removing barriers, answering questions, and ensuring no one is left without the guidance or resources they need to succeed. Problem-Solving & Quality: Proactively identify and resolve project roadblocks, facilitating cross-functional alignment across analytics, technology, account, and strategy teams to keep deliverables on track and objectives clearly defined. Navigate complex workflows and shifting priorities with a solutions-first mindset, maintaining rigorous standards for transparency, operational efficiency, and quality outcomes at every stage of execution. Anticipate team and client needs, providing thoughtful solutions to keep projects on track. Bring a curious, solutions-driven mindset—challenging assumptions and identifying smarter, more efficient ways of working. Champion process improvements by formalizing best practices and Quad Benefits for all areas of life Quad recognizes that wellness is more than physical health. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that empower employees to build healthy, balanced lives at work and at home. From physical and mental health, to financial, family, and community wellness, we provide benefits and programs that help support employees’ overall well-being.