Associate Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY

We are seeking a high-performing Early Careers Recruiter & Program Manager to run a best-in-class campus recruiting process and build on our analyst & associate development platform. This role sits at the intersection of talent acquisition, program strategy, employer branding, and stakeholder management.

You will lead full-cycle recruiting efforts for undergraduate talent while also managing the execution of internship and analyst programs that deliver a differentiated candidate and employee experience. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, high-performance environments and brings a combination of recruiting expertise, operational rigor, relationship management, and strong project management capabilities.

This role reports to the Head of Talent Acquisition.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The individual will be involved in the following critical activities:

Campus Recruiting & Talent Acquisition

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for internship and analyst programs across the firm, including investments, marketing, corporate groups, finance, technology, and business operations functions.
• Execute campus recruiting strategies at select universities and own the strategy and execution behind Handshake, our platform for posting and promoting roles.
• Manage candidate pipelines from sourcing through offer acceptance.
• Maintain our applicant tracking systems and recruiting technologies with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and embrace new features.
• Maintain a high-touch candidate experience throughout the recruiting lifecycle.
• Conduct candidate screening, behavioral interviews, and coordination with hiring teams.
• Partner with HR leadership and senior business leaders to understand hiring needs and advise on talent strategy.
• Track recruiting metrics, market trends, competitor activity, and candidate conversion data.
• Drive diversity recruiting initiatives and partnership programs.
• Coordinate and manage recruiting events including networking opportunities, information sessions, and office visits.
• Build strong relationships with select student organizations, faculty, and alumni networks.

Early Careers Program Management

• Co-manage summer internship and full-time analyst programs end-to-end.
• Lead analyst continuing education and associate development programs by designing and coordinating onboarding, training, mentorship, and professional development programming for analysts and associates.
• Partner with business leaders to structure meaningful experiences and performance evaluation processes.
• Analyze participant feedback and recommend enhancements to program structure and experience.
• Coordinate cross-functional partnerships within HR verticals such as Learning & Development, Operations, Culture & Engagement.
• Ensure programs reflect the firm's culture, performance expectations, and long-term talent strategy.

Employer Branding & Strategic Initiatives

• Help position the firm as an employer of choice within financial services and alternative investments.
• Support recruiting marketing initiatives, social media content, branding materials, and candidate engagement campaigns.
• Benchmark against peer firms including leading investment banks, private equity firms, and hedge funds.
• Identify opportunities to improve recruiting operations, candidate experience, and process efficiency.
• Participate in strategic talent projects, workforce planning initiatives, and recruiting technology enhancements.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal experience and critical competencies for the role include the following:

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• 3-6 years of experience in campus recruiting, early careers recruiting, talent acquisition, or program management.
• Experience within financial services, investment banking, consulting, private equity, asset management, hedge funds, or other high-performance professional services environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders and complex recruiting cycles simultaneously.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship management abilities.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Data-driven mindset with experience using recruiting metrics and reporting.
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems and recruiting technologies.
• Willingness to travel for campus events and recruiting activities.
• Strong executive presence and professionalism.
• High degree of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to build trust quickly with candidates, internal stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Commercial mindset and understanding of competitive talent markets.
• Passion for mentorship, talent development, and building high-performing teams.
• Collaborative, resourceful, and solutions-oriented approach.
• Strong judgment and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.