Operational Specialist

Mainland is a growth-focused marketing and public relations agency built for franchise and multi-unit brands. For 15 years, we’ve helped brands grow through disciplined storytelling, performance-driven strategy, and operational excellence. We believe great marketing requires great infrastructure. Our clients trust us not only to tell their stories — but to execute with precision, consistency, and accountability. We operate with urgency, clarity, and high standards. As we scale into a more institutional firm, we are strengthening our in-office leadership and operational discipline to build the next chapter of growth. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR Operations Specialist – Portfolio Support (Full-Time) This is not a general administrative role. This role is responsible for protecting execution, deadlines, and scope integrity across a portfolio of clients. You will serve as the operational backbone of the portfolio, ensuring: Deadlines are met — consistently Scope is tracked and protected Systems (Accelo) are clean and accurate Accountability is visible Nothing slips You will work directly with Portfolio Leads and Account Managers to enforce process discipline and maintain delivery consistency. If you thrive in structured environments, hold high standards, and take pride in clean systems and operational precision — this role is for you. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor project timelines and proactively flag risk before deadlines are missed Ensure tasks are properly assigned, scoped, and progressing in Accelo Track scope compliance and surface potential overages Conduct weekly system hygiene audits Escalate delivery risks early and clearly Workflow & Accountability Management Prepare structured agendas for portfolio meetings Capture decisions and ensure action items are logged and completed Maintain visible accountability tracking across accounts Support weekly KPI and performance reporting Client Lifecycle Coordination Support onboarding and offboarding processes Maintain accurate client documentation and records Ensure deliverables are archived and organized properly Reporting & Visibility Run standardized weekly portfolio reports Maintain dashboards and identify anomalies or deadline risks Provide operational visibility to Portfolio Leads WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE (First 90 Days) No recurring missed deadlines Clients experience smoother, more predictable delivery You do not wait for direction. You see gaps and fix them. IDEAL PROFILE 2+ years in operations, project coordination, or client service support Experience in agency, consulting, or professional services environments preferred Highly organized and systems-oriented Comfortable enforcing process and holding standards Detail-driven without being rigid Calm under pressure Strong written and verbal communicator Proficient in Google Workspace Quick to learn and master project management systems WORK ENVIRONMENT Full-time role Hybrid (Chicago office required 3 days per week) Core availability during business hours required #J-18808-Ljbffr