Economic Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Visiting Project Manager - Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
This position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement but will require regular presence in Chicago.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is a first-of-its-kind park for quantum scale-up and related quantum and advanced microelectronics research and development. Minutes away from downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan, this site will: 1) build on a track record of historic investment by the State in quantum information science and technology, and 2) further establish Illinois as a global hub for quantum. The park is designed to support the full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers, end users and other partners working to facilitate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, including the world's first fault-tolerant computers. For more information, visit our website.
Job Summary
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) is hiring up to two Visiting Program Managers who, under limited supervision, lead and manage strategic projects, operational initiatives, and cross-functional programs for the IQMP. The role serves as a key project management and operational lead responsible for driving execution across multiple stakeholders, supporting organizational strategy, and improving business processes and operational effectiveness. This position supports IQMP leadership with key initiatives, including but not limited to stakeholder engagement, project planning and execution, financial modeling and analysis, operational reporting, process improvement, and development of executive-level briefings and recommendations. The position partners with internal and external stakeholders to deliver complex projects on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic priorities. This position is based in Chicago.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Project Management
  • Lead and manage strategic projects and operational initiatives. Coordinate cross-functional initiatives involving leadership, corporate partners, government agencies, startups, researchers, consultants, and external stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain project plans, implementation timelines, workstreams, status reporting, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure the successful delivery of complex initiatives. Monitor project progress, identify operational challenges, and drive resolution of issues impacting timelines, deliverables, or stakeholder alignment.
  • Facilitate project governance activities including stakeholder meetings, executive briefings, action-item tracking, and strategic communications. Prepare presentations, reports, and briefing materials for executive leadership, board members, public-sector partners, and external stakeholders.
  • Support organizational strategic planning efforts by conducting research, operational analysis, benchmarking, and program assessments. Coordinate multiple concurrent projects and priorities in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
• Stakeholder and Partnership Management
  • Serve as a primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders associated with IQMP strategic initiatives. Build and maintain collaborative relationships across academic units, industry partners, economic development organizations, government entities, and startup companies.
  • Coordinate stakeholder communications, facilitate working groups, and ensure alignment between project objectives, operational priorities, and organizational goals. Track and manage follow-up actions, deliverables, and key milestones across multiple stakeholder groups.
  • Support partnership development activities, ecosystem engagement initiatives, and collaborative programming opportunities that advance innovation, research commercialization, entrepreneurship, and economic development objectives.
  • Assist with the development and coordination of special projects, strategic initiatives, and cross-organizational collaborations.
• Strategic Planning & Performance Analytics
  • Support the planning, coordination, and execution of IQMP strategic initiatives by collaborating with internal and external partners across academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and economic development sectors.
  • Develop and maintain systems for tracking project performance, operational outcomes, key deliverables, and organizational priorities to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Prepare reports, presentations, dashboards, and analytical summaries to communicate progress, opportunities, and strategic recommendations to leadership and stakeholders. Coordinate cross-functional initiatives, working groups, and collaborative projects to ensure alignment with organizational goals, timelines, and operational objectives.
  • Conduct research, analyze trends, and identify opportunities that support innovation, program growth, partnership development, and ecosystem engagement. Assist with the implementation of special projects and strategic initiatives that advance IQMP's mission and long-term organizational objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a major in finance, business or a related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Economic Development, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting strategic planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration in a professional or higher education environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of financial and operational management principles, including budget tracking, cost analysis, financial reporting, and administrative processes.
• Proficiency with business and financial software applications, including Microsoft Excel and enterprise management systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and professional correspondence.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and work effectively in collaborative, fast-paced environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications with strong administrative, documentation, and data management capabilities.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. This position may become permanent at a later date. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $70,000 to $100,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information about this specific position, please contact Thurman Etchison at tetchis2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1037677
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu