Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Marcus J. Shanks

Kannapolis,NC

Summary

With over 11 years of proven expertise in strategic project management and digital marketing, I have consistently driven transformational outcomes for high-profile clients across diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, clinical trials, technology, and media. As Senior Director of Program Management at 83bar, I led high-performance teams, optimized operational frameworks, and implemented scalable solutions that ensured the seamless delivery of regulatory-compliant marketing products. My ability to mitigate operational risks and align cross-functional teams resulted in enhanced client satisfaction and elevated market positioning for complex digital marketing initiatives.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Director of Program Management/ Senior Strategist

83bar
11.2021 - 05.2025
  • Increased campaign delivery speed by 35% through the implementation of standardized agile workflows, sprint cadences, and team performance tracking across pharmaceuticals and clinical trial verticals.
  • Achieved a 92% client retention rate, attributed to risk-integrated digital asset delivery models and consistent alignment with FDA, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance standards.
  • Orchestrated and scaled a high-performing team of Project Managers and Directors, delivering operational excellence across multimillion-dollar pharmaceutical, clinical trial, and DTC programs.
  • Architected and deployed standardized policies, SOPs, and compliance controls, ensuring 100% alignment with FDA, HIPAA, and industry regulations.
  • Championed a performance-driven culture by empowering team leaders, streamlining workflows, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that boosted delivery efficiency.
  • Mitigated operational risks through proactive risk mapping and escalation protocols, ensuring seamless digital asset servicing and safeguarding campaign continuity.
  • Partnered cross-functionally with engineering and tech leadership to launch and optimize scalable infrastructure, reducing operational friction and enhancing throughput by 25%.
  • Integrated robust risk management frameworks into digital marketing pipelines, directly elevating compliance, reducing error rates, and strengthening client retention and satisfaction.
  • Co-Directed the full lifecycle development of a new SaaS solution, from concept to market, resulting in $1.2M+ in first-year revenue through agile execution and targeted commercialization.

Director of Digital Project Management

Lost Cove
09.2017 - 11.2021
  • Drove a 67% increase in campaign ROI over two years by optimizing brand performance strategies and leveraging financial modeling to prioritize high-yield initiatives.
  • Accelerated time-to-market by 30% through the implementation of agile-based project delivery models and improved cross-functional coordination between marketing, finance, and R&D.
  • Expanded client acquisition by over 70% by leading high-impact digital strategy engagements and refining in-market campaign targeting based on real-time performance and YoY data.

Product Marketing Director

SoftdSign Software
06.2013 - 10.2017
  • Increased ARR by 72% over three years by launching targeted go-to-market strategies for SaaS subscription models and reducing churn through feature alignment.
  • Reduced Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) by 26% by optimizing paid and organic marketing funnels, improving lead quality, and increasing conversion rates through iterative testing and subscription retention.
  • Improved product adoption by 45% by aligning product enhancements with customer behavior analytics and driving updates that directly supported onboarding and retention metrics.
  • Spearheaded the end-to-end development of go-to-market strategies for SaaS subscription products, increasing customer acquisition and supporting scalable growth across key segments.
  • Unified cross-functional teams across Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Product to ensure cohesive messaging, product positioning, and campaign execution aligned with business objectives.
  • Coordinated with internal stakeholders and external agency partners to roll out high-performing multi-channel acquisition campaigns, balancing paid and organic efforts for maximum impact.
  • Constructed dynamic forecasting and analytics models to measure performance against KPIs such as CAC, ARR, MRR, and churn; translated insights into strategic adjustments that boosted profitability.
  • Advised Product Development on customer-centric enhancements by interpreting feedback, behavioral data, and market insights, leading to improved product engagement and retention outcomes.
  • Optimized growth initiatives through continuous A/B testing and agile experimentation, enabling rapid refinements that increased marketing efficiency and accelerated time-to-value.

In-Game Producer (Contractor)

CBS Sports
07.2010 - 04.2013
  • Directed live statistical production teams for high-profile national broadcasts, including NCAA Final Fours, PGA Masters Tournaments, and the 2008 Ryder Cup, ensuring real-time accuracy and seamless on-air delivery.
  • Managed a six-person stats crew, delegating roles, coordinating workflows, and ensuring flawless execution of live and pre-recorded content under tight broadcast deadlines.
  • Produced on-air highlight packages and special segments, contributing to compelling storytelling and enhanced viewer engagement across college basketball and football coverage.
  • Guided on-screen talent and technical staff throughout live events, aligning visuals, commentary, and analytics to meet creative and production standards.
  • Engineered broadcast support materials-including game-day data packages and pre-show feature content-to enrich programming and drive audience retention.

Skills

  • Strategic Program & Project Leadership
    Senior-level expertise in planning, executing, and scaling complex, multi-channel projects with cross-functional teams in highly regulated industries, including tech, pharmaceuticals, DTC, and clinical trials
  • Agile, Scrum & Scalable Workflow Management
    Advanced knowledge and execution in Agile methodologies with a strong track record of leading sprint teams, implementing RACI frameworks, and optimizing workflows for speed, adaptability, and full delivery excellence
  • Executive & C-Suite Communication
    Adept at developing high-level reporting frameworks and dashboards that translate operational and marketing performance into actionable executive insights for strategic decision-making
  • Digital Marketing Strategy & AI Integration
    Proven success in leading performance marketing campaigns across digital ecosystems, with a forward-leaning approach to incorporating AI-driven targeting, automation, and optimization tools
  • Contract Negotiation & Stakeholder Engagement
    Skilled negotiator with a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, vendor partnerships, and value-based contract structuring Highly effective at building consensus among internal and external stakeholders
  • Risk Identification & Operational Resilience
    Highly proficient in identifying operational vulnerabilities and building mitigation plans to reduce exposure, maintain regulatory alignment, and safeguard high-value digital marketing and product initiatives
  • Revenue Growth & Performance Analytics
    Data-driven strategist with demonstrated impact on topline growth via brand optimization, CAC reduction, and ARR/MRR expansion Skilled in performance data to drive sustainable marketing ROI
  • Cross-Team Collaboration & Team Leadership
    A people-first leader with a proven ability to foster psychological safety, lead matrixed teams, and build lasting partnerships across Product, Tech, Finance, Creative, and Executive leadership
  • Revenue Forecasting & Resource Management A strategic leader with deep expertise in aligning cross-functional teams to forecast revenue, optimize resource allocation, and ensure operational efficiency Adept at collaborating across Product, Tech, Finance, and Executive leadership to drive data-informed decision making
  • Product Development Executed full-cycle SaaS product development from concept to launch, incorporating market feasibility testing and rapid-start campaign strategies to validate demand, accelerate deployment, and drive new and incremental revenue growth Collaborated cross-functionally to align product positioning with market needs and maximize early-stage performance

Certification

IBM Machine Learning Professional Certificate

IBM Artificial Intelligence Implementation Certificate

Monday.com Work Management Core Certification

Google Analytics Certification


Timeline

Senior Director of Program Management/ Senior Strategist

83bar
11.2021 - 05.2025

Director of Digital Project Management

Lost Cove
09.2017 - 11.2021

Product Marketing Director

SoftdSign Software
06.2013 - 10.2017

In-Game Producer (Contractor)

CBS Sports
07.2010 - 04.2013
Marcus J. Shanks