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Associate Program Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Associate, Program Facilitation Team : Central Accelerator Location : Hybrid in Chicago (IL) and ... Collaborate with other Program Facilitators and Program Managers to problem-solve, perform peer ...

Associate, Program Facilitation Team : Central Accelerator Location : Hybrid in Chicago (IL) and ... Collaborate with other Program Facilitators and Program Managers to problem-solve, perform peer ...

Associate, Program Facilitation Team : Central Accelerator Location : Hybrid in Chicago (IL) and ... Collaborate with other Program Facilitators and Program Managers to problem-solve, perform peer ...

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Associate Program Accountant

Gridley, IL ยท On-site

$47K - $54K/yr

Program Accounting Manager STATUS: Full-time FLSA: Exempt BENEFITS: 11 Paid Holidays, PTO Accrual ... This Associate Program Accountant position advances the mission of Lifesong through reviewing ...

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Project Management Professional, Certified Associate in Project Management, and/or Program Management Professional * At least six years of experience managing a transformation/modernization project ...

Program Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Project Management Professional, Certified Associate in Project Management, and/or Program Management Professional * At least six years of experience managing a transformation/modernization project ...

Academic Program Manager

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $61K/yr

The Program Manager leads the operational side of SRI, working alongside the Director, Associate Directors, Postdoctoral Fellows, and stream leaders to ensure programs run smoothly, scale effectively ...

The Program Manager leads the operational side of SRI, working alongside the Director, Associate Directors, Postdoctoral Fellows, and stream leaders to ensure programs run smoothly, scale effectively ...

Academic Program Manager

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $61K/yr

The Program Manager leads the operational side of SRI, working alongside the Director, Associate Directors, Postdoctoral Fellows, and stream leaders to ensure programs run smoothly, scale effectively ...

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Associate Program Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$28.1K

$85.9K

$132.8K

How much do associate program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate program manager in Illinois is $85,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate program manager?

An associate program manager is an entry-level or junior role responsible for supporting the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects within an organization. They often coordinate teams, track progress using project management tools, and assist senior managers in ensuring project goals are met on time and within scope.

Is being a TPM stressful?

Being a Technical Program Manager (TPM) can be stressful due to managing multiple projects, tight deadlines, and coordinating cross-functional teams. Success in the role often requires strong organizational skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. However, workload and stress levels vary depending on the organization and project scope.

What job makes $1,000,000 a year?

While most associate program managers earn significantly less, some high-level executives or entrepreneurs in technology, finance, or investment sectors can reach or exceed $1 million annually through salaries, bonuses, and equity. Such compensation typically requires extensive experience, leadership roles, and ownership of high-growth companies or large projects.

What is the difference between Associate Program Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectAssociate Program ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, some certifications (e.g., PMP, CAPM)Bachelor's degree often preferred, certifications less common
Work EnvironmentSupports multiple projects within programs, collaborates with managersAssists with specific projects, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, finance, and consulting firms managing complex programsCommon across various industries for project support roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry to mid-level program rolesCompared for entry-level project support roles

The Associate Program Manager typically oversees multiple projects within a program, requiring broader coordination skills and certifications like PMP. In contrast, a Project Coordinator focuses on supporting individual projects with administrative tasks. Both roles are essential in project management but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How does an Associate Program Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams?

Associate Program Managers frequently work across departments, coordinating with teams such as product, engineering, marketing, and operations to ensure program objectives are met. They facilitate communication, align stakeholders on project timelines, and help resolve roadblocks that may arise. This role often requires balancing multiple priorities, managing project documentation, and keeping all team members informed about progress and changes. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as success depends on building positive working relationships and ensuring everyone is moving toward shared goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Program Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, project management knowledge, and typically a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Jira, or Microsoft Project, and sometimes certifications such as CAPM or PMP are beneficial. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for efficiently coordinating projects, managing stakeholders, and ensuring successful program delivery.

Is Associate PM higher than PM?

In most organizations, an Associate Program Manager (Associate PM) is an entry-level or junior role that supports project management tasks, while a Program Manager (PM) typically holds a more senior position with greater responsibility and oversight. Therefore, the Associate PM is generally considered lower in seniority than a PM. The specific hierarchy can vary depending on the company's structure and size.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Manager jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Program Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Program Manager jobs in Illinois? For Associate Program Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Program Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Program Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Associate Program Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Associate Program Manager job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Program Manager jobs in IL? For Associate Program Manager jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Associate Program Manager job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,866 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Associate Program Manager

Associate Program Manager

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.

Aurora, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$88K - $113K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI)ย Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems.ย Lives dependย on what we do!ย 

Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)

  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) programย  - up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid working environment

The Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) business unit of Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a leading innovator in helmet mounted display technology.ย  We have an opening for an Associate Program Manager (PM) in our Aurora, IL office to support development and production programs in the military market.

This position will report to the Director of Program Management and requires close coordination with other departments including Engineering, Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Business Development, and Contracts. Coordination with Thales Group offices in other countries may also be required to successfully execute joint programs.ย 

Responsibilities

  • Management of multiple assigned projects ensuring compliance with all Thales program management processes and procedures, including development of program plans, task definitions, schedules, budgets, program technical requirements, resource requirements and risk management on all assigned programs.
  • Provision of timely reporting to senior program management leadership with details on program status and performance.
  • Conduct regular cross-functional meetings to review status towards objectives and identify issues early in the program.
  • Responsible for customer communication and satisfaction, including follow-on business quotes and proposals.
  • Management of technical and financial risks and ability to lead/conduct of technical reviews.
  • Responsible for acting as Capture Lead for specific proposal efforts, while supporting additional proposal efforts with budget and schedule information.
  • Responsible for ensuring coordination of activities with subcontractors, vendors and suppliers as necessary to support assigned programs.
  • Responsible for ensuring effective scope directions from the customer and suppliers are appropriately processed through the contract.
  • Coordinate and foster proper communication between the customer and the program team.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in related technical field.
  • Minimum of 2 - 4 years' experience as an engineer (software, electrical, mechanical, systems, etc.). Previous Program Management experience preferred.
  • Basic accounting and financial knowledge and profit-oriented business sense as well as effective negotiating skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and work ethic.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and interact with employees in all departments and functions.
  • Computer proficiency required and experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills with experience managing small teams, working effectively in a matrix team structure, setting business growth objectives and achieving results.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% domesticallyย and internationally.

ย 

Preferred Qualificationsย 

  • US government/ DOD contracting experience/ understanding of required processes for reporting through major defense contractors highly preferred.
  • Commercial Avionics Industry background.
  • Experience working cross functionally along with a familiarity of full product lifecycle for complex systems.
  • Experience with avionics modification programs for either fixed and/or rotary wing.
  • EVMS experience.
  • PMP certification.
  • Conversational fluency in French or Korean.ย 

The annualized pay range for this role is $88,562-$113,163 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 10%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. ย TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact the recruiter at careers@thalesdsi.com.

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws.ย  We are an E-Verify Employer.ย 

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 202-961-1016.

#LI-JD1ย #LI-Hybrid