messy projects welcome — clarity delivered
helping teams find clarity in the chaos—and building momentum that lasts.
Hey, I’m Jess.
For the past 15+ years, I've led complex marketing and creative work at agencies and companies including Carmichael Lynch, mono, Hogarth, and Target — with brand work spanning Subaru, TurboTax, General Mills, and more.
These days, I partner with teams and agencies to 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.
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.
Campaign & Creative Operations
From intake and kickoff through production and delivery, I manage the full lifecycle of marketing and creative work. Whether it's a national campaign, a product launch, or an ongoing content program, I keep the work moving, the teams aligned, and the details accounted for.
Intake & Workflow Design
Chaos has a cure. I build the intake processes, prioritization frameworks, and production workflows that reduce friction and create clarity. If requests are falling through the cracks or nobody knows what's actually a priority, that's where I start.
Complex initiatives that span multiple teams, functions, and stakeholders — that's my sweet spot. I map the dependencies, spot the risks early, and make sure everyone knows what they're doing and why it matters.
Cross-Functional Program Management
Stakeholder & Executive Alignment
The messy middle of a project deserves a clear story at the top. I translate complex work into something leadership can actually act on — setting expectations, surfacing tradeoffs, and keeping people aligned when priorities shift.
Planning & Operational Infrastructure
Predictable execution starts with the right planning infrastructure. I design and run the planning processes that give marketing orgs real visibility into what's coming, what's at risk, and what needs to change — quarterly planning, resource mapping, tracking systems, and the operational backbone that makes delivery consistent.
Team Enablement & Ways of Working
Great teams don't happen by accident. I help teams figure out how to work better together — clarifying roles, decision rights, and ways of working that reduce friction and improve output. I coach, I facilitate, and I build the habits that make good work sustainable.
“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