A light wooden desk with a computer keyboard, a cup of dark liquid on a pink and white ceramic coaster, a small blue box, a wooden ruler, a pair of black scissors, a gold paperclip, a white pen with gold accents, a small potted plant with large green leaves, and a mesh container holding gold paperclips, and a gold binder clip.

messy projects welcome — clarity delivered

I help teams find clarity in the chaos—and build momentum that lasts.

Hey, I’m Jess.

I’m a project manager, creative wrangler, and a calm-in-the-chaos kind of person.

For the past 15+ years, I’ve led complex marketing and creative work for brands like Target, Nike, and Apple. These days, I help teams get unstuck, find their focus, and actually move projects forward—without burning out or losing their minds.

I believe great work happens when people feel clear and supported. So I bring structure without the stress, communication without the fluff, and a whole lot of “let’s just figure this out.”

If you’ve got a messy project, a big idea, or a team that’s spinning its wheels—I can help. If there’s a to-do list, I’m probably already on it.

A woman with long, wavy blonde hair sitting at an outdoor cafe on a city sidewalk, wearing a gray blazer and a white top, looking thoughtfully into the distance.

Who is Joan?

Joan is Jess’s strategic alter ego—equal parts inner critic, coach, and cool-headed consultant. She’s the voice that shows up when Jess is spiraling in a Google Doc at 11 p.m. and calmly says, “Okay, but what are we actually trying to do here?”

Joan doesn’t exist in the real world (no LinkedIn, no latte order), but she’s real enough to challenge assumptions, sharpen strategy, and remind Jess that burnout is not a leadership skill. She thrives on systems thinking, shared values, and gently calling BS when necessary.

Basically, Joan helps Jess lead with more clarity, more intention, and more space for deep work, good decisions, and real impact.

Getting Projects Unstuck—and Moving.

Project & Program Management

I lead complex initiatives from concept to completion—bringing structure, accountability, and momentum to teams and projects that need direction

A desk organizer with yellow scissors, a ruler, and various rolls of tape, a black notebook, a pencil, green plants in pots, and a clipboard with a notepad labeled 'NOTES' on a wooden surface.

Stakeholder Alignment

I build bridges between strategy and execution—translating big ideas into clear plans that stakeholders can trust and teams can deliver. I work seamlessly with senior leaders, helping them clarify priorities, align across  functions, and move from vision to execution.

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Cross-Functional Collaboration

I help teams communicate clearly, work better together and stay aligned—even when the work gets complicated.

A group of diverse professionals in a modern office meeting room, participating in a presentation. A woman is standing at a whiteboard with charts, while a man is watching her and others are seated at a wooden table with laptops, tablets, papers, and coffee cups.

Workflow Design & Optimization

I assess what’s working (and what’s not), then design practical systems that help teams stay focused, organized, and on track.

With deep experience in creative production and marketing workflows, I build processes that support innovation without slowing it down.

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“I highly recommend Jessica, who brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to every initiative she touches. With a seasoned approach, she consistently demonstrates exceptional organization, proactive leadership, and a strong commitment to her teams. A clear communicator and true self-starter, she outlines milestones and expectations with precision.

I’ve been especially impressed by her ability to dive into complex projects and navigate ambiguity—ensuring all partners stay informed, aligned, and supported throughout. Jessica shines as a leader who brings clarity, champions creativity, and drives winning results”

— Mia Pizzuto, Creative Leader, Brand + Retail Design

Testimonials

“It is my distinct pleasure to recommend Jess Martin as an exceptional project manager. Jess demonstrates a rare ability to balance flexibility with the appropriate level of rigor around process, ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently while maintaining the agility necessary to respond to evolving priorities.

Her collaborative approach and strong interpersonal skills make her an invaluable partner to colleagues and stakeholders alike. Jess’s natural empathy enables her to build trust quickly, foster alignment across teams, and create an environment where individuals are motivated to do their best work.

In addition to her operational strengths, Jess consistently brings a strategic and creative perspective to her projects. She has an outstanding ability to frame challenges thoughtfully, identify innovative solutions, and guide teams toward achieving outcomes that exceed expectations.

In every respect, Jess embodies the qualities of a highly effective project manager: disciplined yet adaptable, strategic yet empathetic, and consistently committed to excellence. Any organization would be fortunate to have her leading its initiatives.

— Karah Olson Bausch, Creative Director

more coming soon

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more coming soon 〰️

I’d love to hear from you.

Not sure where to start? That’s my specialty.
If you’re navigating a big initiative or just need a thought partner, reach out—I’m here to help make things clearer and more doable.