Senior Manager, Planning

Job Description

Planning managers at INK manage and oversee account team activities and how they map to plans, timelines, resources, and budgets.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Collaborates closely with team leads to drive operational effectiveness, billability, and utilization.
  • Drives the planning and management of effective programs; Works with account lead to establish framework for measuring and communicating value to the client.
  • Serves as a central and client-facing contact on assigned projects, proactively facilitating communication between departments while managing timelines and deliverables.
  • Ensures priority expectations between client and INK are clear, delivered on time, and meet quality standards.
  • Garners trust and rapport with the client and delivers client service in line with INK standards and Be There Before™ philosophy.
  • Leads in developing project estimates, contracts and invoices.
  • Works in INK’s resource management tools to forecast and manage resources and is proactive in flagging risks and opportunities.
  • Seeks out and maintains a constant knowledge of current and upcoming projects, as well as business development activities as they relate to resourcing, and makes appropriate staffing recommendations.
  • Builds and maintains relationships across all departments at INK and works with all INKers to understand experience, skills and career goals to match resources to best fit client, individual staff, and business goals.
  • Manages contracts and invoicing for freelancers and third-party vendors.
  • Presents patterns and actionable insights to INK management and suggests next steps for optimization.
  • Stays ahead of industry trends, anticipating both INK and client needs while sharing their insights generously with their teams and clients.
  • Embodies INK values and culture and is committed to employee development, managing 1-2 INKers through day-to-day coaching, regular check-ins, and performance reviews.
  • Reports to INK’s Director and/or VP level executives.

Skills and Qualifications

  • 5+ years of progressive experience in project management, agency setting preferred
  • Experience in B2B technology and/or renewable energy, preferred/required
  • Strong client relations skills and intuition
  • Excellent writing skills, clear communicator
  • Ability to organize and manage multiple client responsibilities
  • Ability to organize and manage large, complex programs and teams
  • Experienced in developing talent and acting as an approachable coach and mentor

Starting Salary Range

  • $80,000+, commensurate with experience

Company Introduction

INK is a mid-sized marketing and public relations agency working with technology and energy companies that are cultivating a healthier planet, building a smarter, more inclusive economy, and empowering people to solve the world’s toughest challenges.

Our mission, good work with good people makes for a good life, starts with a commitment to continuous learning and a supportive culture. Every day, we aspire to do work we’re proud of, find new and better solutions, and evolve our thinking. We are a woman-owned business and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes everyone to the team. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply. We are a hybrid workplace (30% monthly time in office; 70% remote) with office destinations in Austin and Denver and a collaborative team spread across North America. 

The INK agency experience is different by design. You will be part of an integrated communications team that unites public relations, content, digital, and other creative disciplines to generate bigger impact. You will enjoy a culture of flexibility and trust, with the autonomy to do your best work and the support of a team that has your back and holds each other accountable. You will work with clients who understand the value of communications and appreciate the unique partnership and perspective INK brings. Not only are you encouraged to participate in team building, new business, and generous holiday schedules and PTO, you are given time and support to do so. We fund peer-to-peer spot bonuses, a health and wellness program, and a highly competitive benefits package. 

INK has won numerous industry and best places to work awards, including PR Daily Top Agency 2026, Inc. Power Partners 2025, PRNews Agency Elite 2025, and Inc. Best Places to Work for 2023. Learn more at www.ink-co.com.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment from our Austin or Denver offices
  • Flexible PTO with guidelines, generous holiday schedule, and early close Fridays at 2 pm in your time zone
  • Top-notch paid medical (INK pays 75%), dental, vision and life insurance which start the first of the month after hire date
  • A 401(k) retirement plan with 3% matching
  • Twelve weeks paid parental leave
  • Quarterly wellness stipend of $150
  • Paid mobile phone service
  • Quarterly volunteer days
  • Bonus programs: new business, hiring referrals, annual tenure bonus
  • Peer-to-peer rewards program
  • Award-winning culture and supportive team environment that lives up to our mission of good work with good people makes for a good life

How to apply

To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to hello@ink-co.com. Please include the job title in the subject line.