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Freelance Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Brand Manager

Glendale, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

... programs ... Translate brand strategy into clear, actionable briefs for internal teams, agencies, freelancers ...

Brand Manager

Glendale, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

... programs ... Translate brand strategy into clear, actionable briefs for internal teams, agencies, freelancers ...

Manager - Digital Media

Stanford, CA · On-site

$105K - $136K/yr

Oversee daily requests by managing content planning, creation, and publication on Facebook ... new programs, and special announcements. * Collaborate with freelance social media campaign ...

Manager - Digital Media

Stanford, CA · Hybrid

$105K - $136K/yr

Oversee daily requests by managing content planning, creation, and publication on Facebook ... new programs, and special announcements. * Collaborate with freelance social media campaign ...

Digital Media Manager

Stanford, CA · On-site

$105K - $136K/yr

Manage day-to-day requests, handling content planning, creation, and publishing across Facebook ... new programs, and special announcements * Coordinate with social media campaign freelancers on ...

Digital Media Manager

Stanford, CA · Hybrid

$105K - $136K/yr

Manage day-to-day requests, handling content planning, creation, and publishing across Facebook ... new programs, and special announcements * Coordinate with social media campaign freelancers on ...

... freelance talent. You will balance the human element of HR with rigorous operational compliance ... Design and execute culture-building events, mentorship programs, wellness initiatives, and team ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 15, 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.

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.

How to freelance as a freelance program manager?

To freelance as a program manager, build a strong portfolio showcasing your project management skills, obtain relevant certifications like PMP or PgMP, and establish a presence on freelance platforms such as Upwork or Freelancer. Successful freelancing also requires excellent communication, negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects independently.

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Freelance Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

Freelance Associate Agency Producer - Paid Social

We Are Social

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

We Are Social is looking for a Freelance Associate Agency Producer with experience in Paid Social to join our growing team! This role is for someone who has a passion for delivering integrated program deliverables (content, IRL, social, paid) with an enthusiasm to work in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. You are responsible for contributing to the successful delivery of production projects on an ongoing basis, and collaborating closely with Account and Creative teams. You will play a supportive role on larger productions, honing your skills as a producer which you will apply to small to mid-size projects you will own independently.

WE ARE 

A creative agency powered by social connections. That means we thrive on what's trending and creating campaigns that get people buzzing. We call it "Ideas Worth Talking About," and we're proud to have played a part in some of the most culturally relevant campaigns of the decade for brands like McDonald's, Adidas, Universal Studios, and YouTube.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE

  • We like to laugh, we live for celeb gossip and we're great on AUX
  • Our passport program lets you explore and work from one of our 18 other offices worldwide, including Paris, Singapore, Madrid, Dubai, London and more
  • You best believe we know how to celebrate our wins. And our losses (it's how we learn)
  • From carbon offsets to community kitchens, we're passionate about making a difference 
  • Did we say snacks? Because we have great snacks (Shoutout to Sheila who keeps the kitchen stocked)

YOU ARE

  • A person who thrives in a fast-paced environment, responding quickly and proactively
  • Not interested in just following trends - you want to create them
  • A self-starter, who'll take ideas from concept to execution, navigating feedback like a pro  

Traditional agency experience is not required, but it's a plus. What matters is your deep understanding of what resonates with social audiences. This role is energetic, innovative and forward-thinking. Alongside engaging with communities, you'll guide brands by staying ahead of social trends and cultural moments. In return, you'll join a global agency dedicated to generating buzzworthy ideas for some of the world's leading brands. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Build comprehensive meeting agendas and recaps to ensure all stakeholders are aligned on project goals and deliverables
  • Translate creative concepts into actionable plans (from brainstorming to productions)
  • Manage internal communications across Slack, email, and verbal channels, maintaining a professional and proactive tone that reflects our agency standards
  • Maintain Google drive and all documents are filed correctly within the correct digital filing systems and vendor databases
  • Facilitate Vendor Relations by initiating inquiries regarding pricing, capabilities, and availability to build a robust production pipeline
  • Develop and Manage budgets from initial estimates to final actuals with meticulous accuracy
  • Continuously review budget templates and verifying formulas to ensure 100% data integrity prior to management submission
  • Manage multiple workstreams by maintaining daily tasks across 1-3 concurrent projects while simultaneously managing database clean-ups and vendor capability sessions
  • Identify potential project bottlenecks and present actionable options to managers at the time of flagging
  • Create initial project drafts and collaborate with senior leads to prioritize high impact tasks
  • Partner with paid performance teams to translate paid data insights into high-volume A/B testing frameworks for creative optimization
  • Utilize Gemini within Google Workspace to automate the creation of project timelines, vendor lists, production schedules, and shot lists
  • Provide support to lead producers when needed and complete ad hoc requests in a timely manner

Requirements

  • 2+ years of experience in production, social, paid and agency experience preferred
  • Solid understanding of the phases of production
  • Detail oriented with great time management skills and experience working with budgets
  • Confident and positive with a 'can-do' attitude who is resourceful and excited by problem solving
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to build basic budget categories and perform rigorous budget reconciliation
  • Advanced knowledge of Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and project management tools (Mothership/Airtable)
  • Familiarity with AI tools (specifically Gemini) to automate administrative and organizational tasks
  • Understanding of basic production terminology (e.g., usage rights, COI requirements, bid specs)

Benefits

At We Are Social, we celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences. We welcome unique voices and talents, especially those not traditionally embraced by advertising. Discover more about our culture and our work.

Let's do cool stuff together. Apply now!

We Are Social is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For California applicants, you may view We Are Social's Privacy Notice for California Employees and Job Applicants at https://wearesocial.com/us/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/CA-Employee-and-Job-Applicant-CPRA-Notice.pdf