About us

Williams Group is a strategic communication firm founded in 1978 and headquartered in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. We build strong brands, smart plans and clear messages. We design and create the tools and tactics for a variety of corporate and nonprofit organizations across and beyond the United States.

About you

A communications professional with the skills and passion for facilitating project process in a wide variety of media, looking to join and support a client-centered team.

About the job

A project manager’s tasks are a vital component of the strategic communications services contracted by Wg clients. This position requires five or more years of experience in the performance of multiple projects, including team leadership, project planning, content development, project execution, scheduling, budgeting, and the supervision of varied team assignments.

The project manager is responsible for performing various project tasks under the direction of an account executive. These tasks may include the creation and maintenance of various programs defined by our clients, such as strategic communications, social networking, knowledge sharing, the administration of marketing programs, and meetings and events—all in support of client communications, sales and marketing objectives.

It is the operating policy of Williams Group to determine the exact needs of each project, identify the most appropriate resources to fill those needs, and work expeditiously to complete each project promptly and efficiently. So, the project manager is responsible for completing many tasks as well as overseeing all project tasks assigned―on time and on budget.

The project manager, together with the account executive, provides overall leadership for each project, and is given great latitude for determining the manner in which projects are handled. The project manager determines the scheduling and management methods for assigned projects, and manages all pertinent resources, both in-house and vendor firms.

The position requires the ability to establish and meet project deadlines, administer and work within project budgets, and maintain the quality levels required for each project. Careful communications and record-keeping are required to properly charge clients for the time and materials needed to perform each project... both ongoing and individual.

The position also coordinates project activities with the creative and production resources who may be responsible for the completion of various projects.

The ideal candidate for this position is creative, self-directed, organized, easy to work with, adaptable to change and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Must be a problem solver, able to produce high-quality work under the pressures of time and cost constraints.

Satisfactory performance is determined by the prompt, efficient manner in which projects are completed, client satisfaction, and conformity with the quality levels expected by the client.

Williams Group offers competitive salaries and benefits in a positive work culture and innovative work space. We are an inclusive company with a commitment to advancing the benefits of diversity in our business and our world. Williams Group believes our business is part of our community—we are actively involved in supporting the Heartside Neighborhood, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and nonprofits throughout the area. We are seeking people who are engaged in community and who feel called, professionally and personally, to contribute to the well-being of others.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to msawle@williams-group.com.

Or by mail:

Williams Group, c/o Martha
70 Ionia Ave SW, Suite 200
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Job description

Key duties

• Demonstrate excellent communication with clients (written and verbal), and other audiences, including the development of proposals, project plans and communication briefs, and project reports as appropriate.
• Collaborate with senior staff, partners and account executives to manage and facilitate project process and team execution, coordinating appropriate Wg resources, vendors and client stakeholders as appropriate to ensure that projects are an excellent experience for Wg clients, and result in high-quality outputs that satisfy the agreed-upon scope, budget and timeline.
• Organize and coordinate assigned activities in the project management arena, including scheduling, communication with clients and associates, proactively leading key tasks, tracking and reporting progress, estimating costs, and directing budget compliance. Complete project documentation and manage project details (e.g., specific project-related information such as rights and permissions management, vendor contacts, etc.).
• Assist account executive and project team with concept development. Create strategic communication solutions and implementation plans.
• Strive to understand the business practices and marketing objectives of all clients, in order to properly conduct and improve upon services performed on their behalf.
• Work in a team environment as a member and leader.
• Contribute to company expertise by understanding trends and practices within the communications discipline as technology, markets, practices and media evolve. For example, project managers must be able to understand the communications application of new website platforms or social networking channels/cultures, and apply project process and uphold quality standards in interactive and traditional communications projects.
• Maintain proficiency (as appropriate to the position) in hardware and software used by Williams Group. For example, project managers work in various databases, web content management platforms, online project management systems, Microsoft Office documents, etc.
• Work with outside resources, supervising their activities in producing specialized products and services for our clients.
• Provide quality assurance to meet the company's high standards in all projects.
• Maintain individual billings commensurate with established company targets and agreed-upon client budgets.
• Develop thorough understanding of Williams Group niches of business.
• Engage in formal and informal leadership activities with clients, vendors and Wg associates as appropriate to Williams Group culture and personal style.
• Contribute to new business development, including prospective client networking, proposal writing and client presentations.
• Keep strict confidence about the nature and substance of client projects.

This position also plays an important role in nurturing a positive culture at Wg. The project manager is expected to model mature, constructive leadership skills; to mentor and support all associates; and to contribute (via formal and informal opportunities) to the development of a collaborative, supportive culture. In short, the project manager is expected to bring positive energy to Wg, and to help make the company a better place for all to work.