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Creative Program Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

CLEAResult

Senior Marketing Account Manager

Madison, WI · Remote

$83K - $124.60K/yr

Cross functional collaboration with creative, digital, analytics, program management, finance, and ... business development teams. * Balance of strategic planning, client engagement, and hands on ...

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Creative Program Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$38.8K

$108.3K

$158.2K

How much do creative program manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative program manager in Madison, WI is $108,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,100.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, creative strategy expertise, and typically a background in marketing, design, or communications. Familiarity with project management tools (such as Asana or Trello), digital content platforms, and sometimes certifications like PMP are highly valuable. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you guide teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These abilities are crucial for delivering innovative projects on time and within scope in fast-paced, collaborative environments.

How does a Creative Program Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Creative Program Managers play a pivotal role in bridging communication between creative teams, marketing, product, and external stakeholders. They facilitate regular check-ins, set clear project milestones, and ensure everyone is aligned on objectives and timelines. Effective collaboration often involves managing feedback loops, resolving conflicts, and adapting plans based on input from various departments. By fostering a collaborative environment, Creative Program Managers help ensure that projects are delivered on time and meet quality standards.

What is a Creative Program Manager?

A Creative Program Manager is a professional who oversees and coordinates creative projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and meet the desired objectives. They work closely with creative teams, such as designers, writers, and marketers, to manage workflows, allocate resources, and facilitate communication between stakeholders. Their role is essential in bridging the gap between creative vision and business goals, ensuring that projects align with brand standards and strategic objectives.

What is the difference between Creative Program Manager vs Creative Project Manager?

AspectCreative Program ManagerCreative Project Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple related projects, manages strategic initiatives, aligns projects with business goalsManages individual projects, focuses on project execution, timelines, and deliverables
ScopeBroader, includes multiple projects and long-term planningNarrower, focused on specific projects
SkillsStrategic thinking, leadership, cross-project coordinationProject management, scheduling, communication
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with senior leadership, cross-functional teamsWorks closely with creative teams, vendors, and clients

The Creative Program Manager typically oversees multiple projects, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term goals, while the Creative Project Manager handles individual project execution and delivery. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the Program Manager's scope is broader, often involving higher-level planning and coordination.

What job categories do people searching Creative Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Creative Program Manager jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Creative Program Manager job openings:
Creative Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Program Manager job openings in Madison, WI as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,297 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Senior Principal Partner Programs Manager

Senior Principal Partner Programs Manager

Zendesk

Madison, WI

$116.90K - $117.40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job DescriptionSenior Principal, Partner Programs & StrategyAbout the Job

The Senior Principal Partner Programs & Strategy is responsible for architecting the evolution of the partner ecosystem, leading and scaling AI-first programs that accelerate adoption and revenue growth across the Zendesk partner landscape. This role operates as a strategic builder and transformation leader-designing and executing initiatives that expand partner impact and unlock new routes to market.

You will partner closely with executive leadership, Sales, Product, Finance, Operations, Marketing, and Governance teams to shape and deliver a high-performing, AI-driven partner ecosystem.

You aren't just managing a program; you are building the engine that will power our AI-driven future.

Core ResponsibilitiesProgram Architecture & Innovation

Lead the redesign and execution of the Partner program with an 'AI-first' focus. Establish access for new routes-to-market through key partner channels: MSPs, Affiliates, and VARs.

  • Own end-to-end strategy and execution of the global partner program, aligning cross-functional stakeholders to deliver at scale

  • Design and operationalize innovative incentives, promotions, discount frameworks, and pilot programs to accelerate ecosystem growth

  • Identify creative solutions to increase the profitability, capabilities, and overall contributions of the Zendesk partner ecosystem by aligning the Zendesk Partner program with company goals and objectives

  • Develop and implement the strategy, policies, and value propositions for the partner distribution ecosystem to accelerate the shift of business from direct to indirect models

  • Develop a multi-year Partner Incentives Strategy, leveraging rigorous analysis of ecosystem performance, payout data, and competitive intelligence to drive high-value partner behaviors and long-term growth

Operational Excellence

  • Collaborate cross-functionally (Sales, Ops, Finance, Legal) to establish, accurately measure, and report on critical partner program KPIs, ROI, and overall health to inform investment decisions and program evolution

  • Define and enforce governance frameworks that improve partner productivity, scalability, and operational rigor

  • Drive Zendesk's AI-first partner program by evolving partner program policies and structures that enable seamless engagement and performance tracking

  • Optimize partner experience across systems and tooling, including partner portal enhancements and program workflows

  • Collaborate with Finance, RevOps and Pricing teams to enable Outcome-Based Pricing, Deal Desk frameworks, and scalable discounting models for complex deals

  • Identify and resolve operational friction, continuously improving efficiency, speed, and partner satisfaction

Communication & Content

  • Be a champion of Zendesk partners by owning and executing recruitment and awareness initiatives that drive last-mile execution, increase channel productivity, and fuel partner growth

  • Develop and deliver high-impact communications for partner programs and incentives, ensuring clarity, adoption, and advocacy across partners and internal teams

  • Lead program and product launch readiness for partners, partner sales, and direct sales teams

  • Oversee the creation of compelling collateral (e.g., incentive guides, playbooks) that clearly articulate the business value of AI transformation to customers and partners

Leadership & Collaboration

  • Serve as a high-level thought partner to GTM and Sales leadership, delivering strategic insights and shaping next-generation partner initiatives in evolving markets

  • Lead the annual planning process, crafting a compelling narrative on how AI-led partner investments drive sustainable growth

  • Communicate complex, high-stakes ideas with clarity and authority, influencing executive alignment on strategy and execution

  • Drive deep cross-functional alignment across Support, Professional Services, Product, and Marketing to embed the partner program into the broader Customer Success and GTM strategy

  • Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence across the partner ecosystem

Desired Qualifications & Experience

  • 15+ years of experience in partner programs, channel strategy, or ecosystem leadership within SaaS or enterprise technology

  • Experience leading major route-to-market transformations (e.g., Direct to Indirect, Sales-led to Product-/Success-led growth)

  • Proven ability to formalize scalable processes and build programs designed for long-term growth and operational efficiency

  • Strong cross-functional leadership experience across Engineering, Finance, Legal, and Sales, delivering both strategic vision and operational execution

  • Deep expertise across resale, referral, enablement, and partner recruitment models

  • Demonstrated success driving revenue growth and increasing partner contribution aligned to company strategy

  • Executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership and clearly articulate complex partner value propositions

  • Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate KPIs, data, and insights into measurable business outcomes

  • Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred

The US annualized base salary range for this position is $182,000.00-$272,000.00. This position may also be eligible for bonus, benefits, or related incentives. While this range reflects the minimum and maximum value for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations, the offer for the successful candidate for this position will be based on job related capabilities, applicable experience, and other factors such as work location. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only (or OTE for commissions based roles), and do not include bonus, benefits, or related incentives.

The intelligent heart of customer experience

Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love.

Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience. Our hybrid way of working, enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.

As part of our commitment to fairness and transparency, we inform all applicants that artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision systems may be used to screen or evaluate applications for this position, in accordance with Company guidelines and applicable law.

Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we're proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e-mail to peopleandplaces@zendesk.com with your specific accommodation request.

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