Project Manager (NYC)

About Ruca

Ruca is a global creative cooperative owned by its members, distinguished by its boutique approach. We collaborate with companies in launching prominent brands, products, and ventures, blending strategic expertise with cutting-edge technology. Unlike traditional agencies, we invest in founders, nurture our own products, and share equity and profits with members, creating a unique cooperative culture focused on collective success.

Role Overview

We seek a detail-focused Project Manager to join our US Studio on a three-month full-time contract with the potential to transition into a permanent position. This role involves managing the end-to-end lifecycle of various client and internal projects ranging from visual identities, pitch materials, to product launches. Candidates will operate remotely but should be available to attend monthly in-person meetings in Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York to foster creative collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables while collaborating with senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Estimate budgets and timelines, allocate resources, and monitor project costs across the lifecycle.
• Collaborate with the Head of Studio on initiatives specific to the studio.
• Assemble and lead cross-functional teams, delegating tasks effectively and supporting team members.
• Identify risks such as scope creep, delays, or burnout and develop mitigation plans proactively.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with clients and internal teams regarding project progress and status.
• Assess project outcomes to ensure deliverables meet company and client quality standards before handover.
• Represent Ruca professionally in all client interactions even under pressure or ambiguous directives.
• Manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously, utilizing an array of tools effectively.
• Keep informed of industry trends, emerging tools, and AI advancements relevant to design and project management.
• Collaborate closely with senior designers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive brand experiences.
• Communicate project ideas clearly both visually and verbally with clients and internal members.

Experience and Qualifications

• Between 2 and 7 years of professional experience managing projects in design agencies, creative studios, or fast-paced environments.
• Proven success delivering complex projects on schedule and within budget constraints.
• Skilled in leading project teams and cultivating strong internal collaboration.
• Experience interfacing directly with clients to extract requirements, establish objectives, and translate feedback into actionable directives.
• Exceptional communication skills ensuring alignment and transparency among stakeholders.
• Experience in agency, startup, or cooperative settings is advantageous.
• Familiarity with multichannel projects including digital, brand, product, social media, print, or motion content.
• Demonstrated competency utilizing AI tools to enhance workflows, ideation, or automation.
• Bonus: Experience managing administrative or operational functions within a creative organization.

Skills and Tools

• Professional and composed client communication under all circumstances.
• Ability to remain calm and effective when managing project pressures and shifting priorities.
• Problem-solving mindset combined with approachable charisma.
• Quick adaptability to new tools and project management platforms such as Asana, Monday.com, Notion, Jira, etc.
• Usage of AI solutions like Claude, Midjourney, or Firefly thoughtfully integrated into workflows.
• Excellent organizational skill paired with strong verbal and written communication.
• Leadership and teamwork capable with a readiness to engage hands-on as needed.
• Reliable multitasking capacity across various projects without compromising quality.
• Comfort with presenting work and constructively exchanging feedback.

Unique Features of this Role

This position provides an opportunity to be a full member of a cooperative collective sharing equity and governance. You will collaborate with talented creatives worldwide and participate in launching meaningful projects that truly impact the market. We prioritize growth and mutual success.

Compensation and Application

The contract offers an hourly wage between $31.88 and $33.65. Should the role transition to full-time employment after the initial three months, the estimated salary will range from $66,300 to $70,000 annually plus benefits. Candidates should submit a resume and a brief description of a significant project they have managed. No cover letter is required. Monthly in-person meeting attendance in US cities is expected.