Senior Project Manager

Johalla Projects is seeking a full-time Senior Project Manager to co-lead conceptual vision, creative strategy and execution of client-based art consulting and curatorial programs. This role is a leadership position responsible for project management and creative direction of multiple large-scale client initiatives while mentoring internal teams.

The Senior Project Manager will operate at the intersection of curatorial direction, project storytelling and brand strategy ensuring that each project embodies conceptual integrity, cultural relevance, and the highest quality of excellence. 

Role Overview: 

The Senior Project Manager serves as both an external face of Johalla Projects to clients and an internal creative leader guiding cross-functional teams. Success in this role requires visionary thinking, confident leadership, exceptional communication skills, refined aesthetic judgment, and the ability to balance big-picture strategy with real-world execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Creative Vision and Strategy: 

• Lead the overarching creative direction for multiple curatorial projects at once.
• Develop compelling curatorial narratives rooted in client needs, history, architecture, brand identity, community context, innovation and forward-thinking style shifts and more.
• In collaboration with the leadership team, shape mood boards, curatorial research, and conceptual strategies, procurement and framing that guide project development from pitch through installation.
• Innovative and engaged cultural awareness of contemporary art, fabrication, and emerging creative practices. 

Leadership: 

• In collaboration with the leadership team, lead and mentor project managers, assistant/associate curatorial staff, and research teams. 
• Ability to review staff deliverables and support the revisions, refinement, and direction of work out-put while staying on schedule and under budget. 
• Set creative standards across all client-facing materials and deliverables.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented studio culture grounded in integrity and artistic advocacy.
• Lead the production of the project from start to finish and oversee all vendors and fabrication 
• Assist leadership team with production values and systems
• Assist leadership team with operations
• In collaboration with leadership, support brand development and marketing campaigns. 

Client Relations: 

• Serve as primary creative liaison to developers, architects, designers, and executive stakeholders.
• Navigate sensitive conversations with diplomacy and confidence while protecting artistic integrity and project viability.
• Build long-term client relationships rooted in trust and creative excellence.
• Collaborate with contractors, architects, and designers to integrate artwork into architectural environments. Flexibility and, at times, willingness to drive or schedule remotely short-notice meetings.  
• Guide installation planning, fabrication direction, and on-site execution strategies.
• Must be available to travel onsite, often with short notice, both locally and nationally. 

Artist Engagement: 

• Forward thinking and innovative artist researcher, always going to studio visits, gallery openings, and finding new artists to cultivate relationships with. 
• Conduct studio visits and represent Johalla Projects within the broader contemporary art community.
• Serve as an ambassador for the firm in public and professional settings.
• Guide staff in curatorial vision and support their growth in research. 

Qualifications:  

• 7–10 years of experience in creative direction, curatorial leadership, design direction, or senior-level art consulting.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and large-scale creative initiatives.
• Deep understanding of contemporary art, fabrication processes, and spatial design integration.
• Exceptional presentation skills and narrative storytelling ability.
• Strong strategic thinking. 
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, Master’s degree preferred. 
• Proficiency in Mac systems, Google Suite, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, Excel; ability to interpret architectural drawings and spatial plans. Experience in Miro is a plus. 
• High emotional intelligence and mature leadership presence.
• Ability to manage complexity with composure, humor, and adaptability.

Work Environment: 

• Must be located in Chicago or willing to relocate to Chicago. 
• Full-time, 40 hours per week, generally 9:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday–Friday, with flexibility as project needs require.
• Hybrid work model, 3-4 days in the office with staff. 
• Travel required for client presentations and installation oversight.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (mileage reimbursed).

To apply: 

Please send a cover letter and CV to info@johallaprojects.com.