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Freelance Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VML

Program Manager - Freelance

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

VML is hiring a Freelance Program Manager to oversee end to end program delivery for a large Healthcare client company in a client-facing capacity. You have a proven track record of managing delivery ...

twentysix

Program Manager - Freelance

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90 - $117/hr

VML is hiring a Freelance Program Manager to oversee end to end program delivery for a large Healthcare client company in a client-facing capacity. You have a proven track record of managing delivery ...

VML

Program Manager - Freelance

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

VML is hiring a Freelance Program Manager to oversee end to end program delivery for a large Healthcare client company in a client-facing capacity. You have a proven track record of managing delivery ...

Solomon Page

Technical Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Lead end-to-end program management for assigned GCP modernization workstreams. * Develop and ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

Solomon Page

Manager Agile Program Management

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

We are seeking a Manager, Agile Program Management to lead end-to-end production operations and ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

KQED

Fundraising Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$102K - $115K/yr

Title: Fundraising Program Manager Schedule Format - Location: Hybrid - San Francisco Pay ... Coordinate with vendors, freelancers, and production partners, ensuring external contributors have ...

KQED

Fundraising Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Title: Fundraising Program Manager Schedule Format - Location: Hybrid - San Francisco Pay ... Coordinate with vendors, freelancers, and production partners, ensuring external contributors have ...

Kqed Inc

Fundraising Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$102 - $115/hr

Title: Fundraising Program Manager Schedule Format - Location: Hybrid - San Francisco Pay ... Coordinate with vendors, freelancers, and production partners, ensuring external contributors have ...

VML

Freelance Strategy Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

You'll plan, coordinate and execute a major automotive brand's evolution and messaging programs ... Create and manage Strategic creative briefs * Plan and execute strategic campaigns that support key ...

VML

Freelance Strategy Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

You'll plan, coordinate and execute a major automotive brand's evolution and messaging programs ... Create and manage Strategic creative briefs * Plan and execute strategic campaigns that support key ...

twentysix

Freelance Strategy Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138 - $165/hr

You'll plan, coordinate and execute a major automotive brand's evolution and messaging programs ... Create and manage Strategic creative briefs * Plan and execute strategic campaigns that support key ...

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All JobsProgram JobsFreelance Program Manager JobsFreelance Program Manager Jobs in California

Freelance Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do freelance program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance program manager?

A Freelance Program Manager is an independent professional who oversees and coordinates multiple related projects for organizations on a contract basis. They are responsible for aligning project goals with business objectives, managing resources, timelines, and budgets, and ensuring successful program delivery. Unlike full-time employees, freelance program managers work with various clients, often remotely, and bring flexibility and specialized expertise to different industries and projects.

How does a freelance program manager typically coordinate with multiple clients and teams across different projects?

Freelance Program Managers often juggle several projects simultaneously, each with its own stakeholders and teams. Effective coordination relies on clear communication, strong time management, and the use of collaborative tools like project management software. Regular check-ins, transparent progress reporting, and setting expectations with clients are key to ensuring alignment and meeting objectives. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial, as freelance program managers must quickly adjust to varying work cultures and project requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Program Manager, you need strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills, typically supported by experience overseeing multiple projects and a relevant degree or certification such as PMP. Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project, as well as proficiency in budget tracking and reporting systems, is important. Excellent communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities help you build client trust and coordinate remote or cross-functional teams effectively. These competencies ensure successful program delivery, client satisfaction, and the ability to manage complex projects independently.

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

AspectFreelance Program ManagerFreelance Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires experience in program management, certifications like PMP or PgMPOften requires PMP or similar project management certifications
Work EnvironmentManages multiple related projects across teams, often in a strategic capacityFocuses on individual projects, ensuring specific deliverables are met
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries with complex, multi-project initiatives like IT, construction, or marketingCommon across various industries for managing specific projects
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by clients seeking strategic oversight or multi-project coordinationTypically searched for specific project execution needs

While both roles involve managing projects, a Freelance Program Manager oversees multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, whereas a Freelance Project Manager focuses on executing individual projects. The choice depends on the scope and complexity of the work required.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Manager jobs in California?

The most popular types of Program Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Program Manager job openings:

Freelance Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

Program Manager - Freelance

VML

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Who We Are Looking For: 

VML is hiring a Freelance Program Manager to oversee end to end program delivery for a large Healthcare client company in a client-facing capacity. You have a proven track record of managing delivery of omni channel channel content as well as marketing programs across various Healthcare, Pharma or Insurance clients with the ability to scale as needed. 

Requirements, must have: 

Living in the State of California-Able to travel to office for occational client meetings.

Experience: 

Production: managing, concepting and executing production timelines and communications 

Workstreams: managing omnichannel production timelines and communications 

Agile Ways of Working + PI Planning: we work in partnership with the client in sprints

What You'll Do: 

  • People | Partner with Account leads to provide ongoing client satisfaction. You'll oversee the development of integrated project and program deliverables across teams and agency partners, handling concurrent workstreams for a major Healthcare client in California. 
  • Process | Establish and maintain project and program communications. Oversee project estimations and execute established SOW, while implementing new processes across large workstreams. Ensure calendars and deployment schedules are maintained for multiple operating units globally. Leverage AI where possible to optimize delivery and efficiency. 
  • Financials | Responsible for project profitability. Plan, track, and approve project expenses, billing, and invoices. Partner with the finance team to develop a consistent profitability and utilization view across all workstreams. Manage resource allocation on an ongoing, weekly basis, and monitor project burn rates, budgets, and reconciliations. 
  • Work | Drive projects forward from point A to point B, ensuring excellent and timely delivery. Provide purpose, direction, and motivation to the team. You'll be a champion for the work and internal project team by taking notes, following up, building timelines and plans, etc. You'll also build slides, create compelling stories, and manage comprehensive documentation. 

Who You Are: 

  • A builder | Process-oriented and an innovator with a strong point of view and distinct voice. You have experience standing up new commerce clients and establishing streamlined operations. 
  • Open and collaborative | Comfortable with ambiguity and a champion of team environments that encourage collaboration. You thrive in client-facing roles, with an innate ability to understand client problems and provide tailored solutions. 
  • Optimistic and resilient | You dig in and work around challenges, providing the balance and stamina needed to keep the team motivated and positive. 
  • Ego-less | Willing to wear multiple hats to contribute to the team's success, regardless of the task. 

What You'll Need: 

  • 5-7+ years of experience in a large Ad agency with experience with Healthcaere, Pharma and/or Insurance clients while helping to lead delivery management. 
  • Omnichannel program and production delivery experience required. 
  • Experience working with integrated agency teams and external partner agencies. 
  • Familiarity with Smartsheet, Excel, Monday.com, Workday, and Jira. Experience with Workfront or Proof HQ is a plus. 
  • Interest in AI and how to leverage it as a delivery tool. 
  • Strong project management operations skillset, including effective meeting management and capturing actionable next steps. 
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, navigate challenges, and build operational rigor. 

This is an hourly freelance role with an ideal hourly target rate of between $65 - $85 per hour

No Third party Agency candidates will be considered for this immediate Freelance need.

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