A

AbelsonTaylor

Health-focused advertising agency with emotional storytelling

Project Manager

Full-Time
$65k - $90k
Junior
Bachelor's
Chicago, IL, USA
HybridOn-site Tuesday through Thursday each week.
Project & Program ManagementProject Management

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree with emphasis in advertising/marketing and/or communications is required.
  • At least 2 years in a project manager role at an agency or relevant client-related pharmaceutical experience is required, demonstrating proficiency in managing projects independently.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Critical thinking ability to solve complex problems and make strategic decisions is required.
  • Approachability, accountability, and attention to detail are required for the fast-paced culture of pharmaceutical advertising.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills are required to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proficiency with project management tools such as WMJ, Workfront, and Excel is required.
Responsibilities
  • Lead a wide array of projects, developing timelines, estimates, and scenarios as needed.
  • Monitor workflows and adjust resources for optimal efficiency.
  • Supervise Associate Project Managers on routing, approval processes, and client change documentation, escalating issues to the Project Director as necessary.
  • Manage project budgets and timelines, monitor scope progress, identify work breakdowns, proactively estimate for changes, and communicate overages to internal and client teams.
  • Generate financial reports, billing, and tracking documents for projects, ensuring accuracy and transparency for internal and client-facing stakeholders.
  • Lead internal and client status meetings, providing strategic insights and project guidance from a project management perspective.
  • Use project management software such as Workamajig, Workfront, and Excel to automate tasks, resource projects efficiently, ensure quality, and improve process efficiencies.
  • Align and develop conference reports and meeting recaps, maintaining clear and effective internal and external communication.
  • Oversee the employee lifecycle for Associate Project Managers, including onboarding, training, development, and addressing HR issues.

About the company

A

AbelsonTaylor

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cbWebsite

AbelsonTaylor is a health-focused advertising agency in Chicago that creates and manages full-service marketing campaigns for pharmaceutical, healthcare provider, and consumer health brands. It uses multidisciplinary teams to craft campaigns that emphasize the human side of scientific data, helping audiences understand health decisions through emotional storytelling. The company's products are integrated advertising services—creative design, strategy, and campaign management—delivered across multiple channels. By staying independent, AbelsonTaylor can tailor its work to each client and staff, prioritizing client needs and flexibility over conformity. Its goal is to help health and wellness brands communicate complex information clearly and connect with both healthcare professionals and the general public in a meaningful way.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Founded

1981

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • AbelsonTaylor hired Irene Westcott, Tim Moore, and Sara Brandt in 2026.
  • AT Group added Rob Chartier and Amy Restko advanced engagement strategy in 2026.
  • May 2026 Med Ad News praised strong client performance and forward momentum.

What critics are saying

  • MM+M said 2024 revenue fell 25%, forcing staff cuts from 284 to 201.
  • Several clients still depend on regulatory approvals, slowing billings and launches.
  • Another lost AOR account would end scale and threaten the independent model.

What makes AbelsonTaylor unique

  • Independence lets AbelsonTaylor keep client decisions local, fast, and conflict-free.
  • AT Group launched Lexi, a proprietary AI platform trained on 40 years' expertise.
  • AT Studio scales high-accuracy production alongside creative, media, and medical strategy.

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Benefits

  • Wellness programs
  • Competitive PTO
  • Friday lunches
  • Adoption assistance
  • WFH flexibility
  • Summer Fridays
  • 401(K) matching
  • Discounted pet insurance
  • Learning & development
  • Community giving
  • Free snacks

Company News

HRTech Cube
Aug 4th, 2026
NICB appoints Beth Bogacz as Vice President, Human Resources.

NICB appoints Beth Bogacz as Vice President, Human Resources. 10 hours ago The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the insurance industry's association dedicated to predicting, preventing, and prosecuting insurance crime and fraud, announces Beth Bogacz as the organization's new Vice President of Human Resources, effective July 27. In this role, she will lead our talent management strategy and future roadmap, including talent acquisition, talent development, performance management, employee engagement and benefits administration for the organization. "As NICB's Vice President of Human Resources, Beth and her team will partner with all levels of leadership and employees to attract, develop, and retain talent across the organization," said Carolyn Bellisio, NICB's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "Beth's robust experience is well suited to continue the enhancement of our Total Rewards programs and to use innovation to grow and develop our work force. I am confident that Beth will leverage her expertise to foster a positive workplace culture while implementing best practices in talent management. I am looking forward to Beth sharing her development and leadership strategies to design, develop, and execute human resource programs that align with NICB's overall strategy and business needs and promote organizational and individual growth." Ms. Bogacz previously served as Senior Vice President of People Experience at AbelsonTaylor, where she led the organization's people strategy, overseeing talent acquisition, career and leadership development, and key employee experience initiatives. Her expertise also includes benefits, employee relations, employee wellness, and rewards and recognition, with a focus on fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture. Prior to AbelsonTaylor, Ms. Bogacz held human resource leadership positions at organizations including Critical Mass (Omnicom), Upshot (EMAK Worldwide), and several other leading marketing, consulting, and professional services firms. Ms. Bogacz received a bachelor's degree in Family and Child Studies from Northern Illinois University. Additionally, she holds multiple certifications, including Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and Development Dimensions International (DDI) Certified Facilitator.

PharmaLIVE
Mar 30th, 2026
AbelsonTaylor Group adds Irene Westcott as VP, creative director.

AbelsonTaylor Group adds Irene Westcott as VP, creative director. AbelsonTaylor Group today announced that Irene Westcott has joined the agency as Vice President, Creative Director. A seasoned copy-led creative executive, Westcott brings nearly two decades of experience delivering high-impact, omni-channel work for pharmaceutical and healthcare brands in highly regulated environments. Westcott joins AT Group from EVERSANA Intouch, where she served as VP, Group Creative Director, and played a central role in building and expanding agency portfolios. Known for her ability to navigate scientific complexity while creating compelling, audience-first storytelling, she has led award-winning AOR engagements, major product launches - including Subpart H/Accelerated Approval programs - and sophisticated multi-channel ecosystems spanning web, video, CRM, SMS, social, and print. In her new role at AbelsonTaylor Group, Westcott will lead creative teams across health and wellness brands, partnering closely with strategy and account leadership to develop integrated campaigns rooted in insight, precision, and performance. She will also contribute to new business efforts, mentor creative talent, and help advance the agency's approach to content marketing, storytelling, and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled creative solutions. "Irene is a builder - of brands, teams, and momentum," said Janet Barker-Evans, Chief Creative Officer at AbelsonTaylor Group. "She brings a rare combination of deep pharmaceutical experience, strong copy leadership, and a proven ability to grow business while elevating creative craft. Her perspective will make us sharper, braver, and better partners to our clients." Earlier in her career, Westcott held creative leadership roles at Movéo Integrated Branding, where she established the agency's first content marketing and strategy practice, and at Otherwise Inc., Leapnet, and Frankel, developing digital, brand, and sales-driving creative for clients ranging from healthcare systems to consumer, travel, and hospitality brands. Westcott holds a Master's degree in Creative Writing and a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. She is recognized for her leadership in mentoring high-performing teams, her fluency across digital and emerging platforms, and her ability to translate complex healthcare challenges into clear, resonant creative solutions.

Roastbrief
Feb 3rd, 2026
Tim Moore Joins AbelsonTaylor Group as VP, Creative Director

Tim Moore joins AbelsonTaylor Group as VP, Creative Director. Reading Time: 2 mins read CHICAGO - February 3, 2026 - AbelsonTaylor Group, a leading independent healthcare marketing and communications agency, is pleased to announce that award-winning creative leader Tim Moore has joined the agency as Vice President, Creative Director. Moore brings more than 20 years of experience leading integrated creative work for Fortune 500 brands across health and wellness, CPG, retail, and experiential marketing. Moore rejoins AT Group following previous freelance engagements during which he provided creative leadership on complex, highly regulated work. That experience positions him to step into his new role with immediate impact. Known for translating insight into effective, business building ideas, Moore has led work across brand, digital, social, CRM, retail, and live experiences. His career includes senior creative leadership roles at Publicis, Epsilon, FCB Chicago, and more, delivering exceptional work for brands including GSK, CVS, White Claw, M&M Mars, Grey Goose, Purina, Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and SC Johnson. Health and wellness have been a consistent focus throughout Moore's career. His experience includes leading the award - winning Flonase transition from prescription to over-the-counter, the GSKVacciNation campaign, and the launch of Theraflu's pod-based product innovation. He also led the revitalization of Walmart's ReliOn diabetes portfolio and partnered with CVS Pharmacy on in-store and CRM programs spanning senior initiatives, beauty launches, and new store openings. In his role at AbelsonTaylor Group, Moore will lead creative teams in partnership with account and strategy leadership, supporting key brands across the agency's portfolio. He will oversee creative development from concept through execution with a focus on strategic rigor, creative excellence, and operational efficiency. "Tim is a thoughtful, collaborative creative leader who brings clarity and focus to complex challenges," saidJanet Barker-Evans, Chief Creative Officer at AbelsonTaylor Group. "He understands how to balance strategy, creativity, and execution, and his deep health and wellness experience, along with his familiarity with AT Group, makes him a strong addition to our creative leadership team." Moore's work has earned numerous Effie, Reggie, Echo, Tempo, and CaplesAwards. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Illinois State University and brings deep expertise in omnichannel marketing, retail and shopper engagement, experiential platforms, and health and wellness communications.

PharmaLIVE
Nov 4th, 2025
Sara Brandt joins AbelsonTaylor Group as senior VP, head of media for ATActivate

Sara Brandt joins AbelsonTaylor Group as senior VP, head of media for ATActivate. AbelsonTaylor Group, a leading independent healthcare marketing and communications agency, is proud to announce the appointment of Sara Brandt as Senior Vice President, Head of Media for ATActivate, the agency's full-service, data-driven media division. Brandt joins AbelsonTaylor Group with more than two decades of experience leading integrated media strategy and investment across healthcare, consumer packaged goods, technology, retail, and financial services categories. A recognized leader in developing innovative, performance-driven media solutions, she brings a proven ability to translate data and audience insights into strategies that drive measurable business results. In her new role, Brandt will oversee all aspects of media strategy, planning, and activation within ATActivate. She will lead a multidisciplinary team across print, digital, video, search, and social media channels - ensuring that media programs are insight-led, performance-focused, and deeply integrated with AbelsonTaylor Group's creative and engagement strategies. Brandt will also play a key role in driving new business initiatives and expanding the agency's media offerings for existing clients. "We're thrilled to welcome Sara to the AT Group leadership team," said Lynnette Hunter, EVP, Director of Client Services, AbelsonTaylor Group. "Sara's background in building advanced video investment practices and data-enabled media frameworks is exceptional. Her leadership, combined with her deep understanding of the healthcare category, will further elevate ATActivate's ability to deliver innovative, measurable media solutions that make a real impact for our clients." Before joining AbelsonTaylor Group, Brandt served as SVP, Head of Video Strategy and Investment at Publicis Health Media, where she built the agency's first-ever video investment practice. Previously, Brandt held senior leadership roles at OMD and Mindshare, where she led large-scale media engagements for major clients including Abbott, Kimberly-Clark, Walgreens, Essilor, and Unilever. Her career has focused on operational efficiency, cross-agency coordination, and the development of skilled, high-performing teams. Brandt holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with an Advertising and Public Relations focus from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. "I'm incredibly excited to join AbelsonTaylor Group and lead the next chapter of growth for ATActivate," said Brandt. "The agency's deep expertise in health and wellness, combined with its commitment to innovation and data-driven creativity, makes this an inspiring place to advance what's possible in healthcare media."

PharmaLIVE
Oct 17th, 2025
Elsa Varghese, M.D., joins AbelsonTaylor Group as medical strategy director

Elsa Varghese, M.D., joins AbelsonTaylor Group as medical strategy director. Independent healthcare marketing and communications agency AbelsonTaylor Group has announced that Elsa Varghese, M.D. joined the agency as medical strategy director. Dr. Varghese brings a deep and diverse background in medicine, digital innovation, and strategic leadership, further strengthening AT Group's commitment to delivering science-driven, insight-led work for its healthcare clients. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of clinical education, medical communications, and emerging technologies, Dr. Varghese has led large-scale initiatives across a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology. She is also known for her collaboration with NASA and Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), where she helped advance space medicine and digital learning solutions for physicians and astronauts alike. In her role at AT Group, Dr. Varghese will play a key role in providing strategic medical input by helping translate complex clinical data into actionable marketing strategies and high-impact healthcare communications. She will partner closely with cross-functional teams to inform brand development, support medical content creation, and ensure scientific integrity across a broad portfolio of deliverables. "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Varghese to AT Group," said Lynnette Hunter, EVP, Director of Client Services. "Her experience is truly extraordinary - from directing high-profile partnerships with NASA to leading innovative education programs across multiple therapeutic areas. Her ability to synthesize complex science and apply it strategically will bring tremendous value to our teams and clients." Before joining AT Group, Dr. Varghese held leadership roles at Level Ex Inc., where she oversaw multidisciplinary teams and led strategic initiatives focused on medical innovation, clinical content development, and user-centered design. She served for over a decade as a Clinical Skills Physician with Kaplan Medical, where she trained standardized patients for simulated clinical encounters and co-authored the official Kaplan Step 2 CS review book - helping to prepare thousands of medical students for licensing exams and clinical practice. Additionally, she served on multiple nonprofit boards, contributing her expertise to organizations focused on wellness, education, and health equity. Dr. Varghese earned her M.D. from the International American University College of Medicine and holds a B.A. in biology with a minor in psychology from SUNY Albany. She is ECFMG-certified and has established herself as a published medical author and speaker, with recent presentations on the role of digital innovation in neurosurgical and space medicine education.