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Entry Level Associate Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Penske

Technical Project Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

Technical Project Manager Location: Naperville, IL Shift: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm (Onsite 4 days a ... With operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Penske and its associates help ...

Penske

Technical Project Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$94K - $125K/yr

Technical Project Manager Location: Naperville, IL Shift: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm (Onsite 4 days a ... The associate is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, and feel, and to reach with ...

Homer Companies

Be Seen First

Entry Level Project Coordinator

Lockport, IL · On-site

$45K/yr

Entry Level Project Coordinator Position: Project Coordinator (Entry Level) - Full Time Department ... Manage team goals, project schedules, and information flow * Handle project-related paperwork ...

Benco Dental

Dental Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Position Summary As a Project Manager, you will primarily focus on leading and overseeing ... Add Installers, Project Coordinators, IT Software & Support and Digital Dentistry associates to ...

Benco Dental

Dental Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Position Summary As a Project Manager, you will primarily focus on leading and overseeing ... Add Installers, Project Coordinators, IT Software & Support and Digital Dentistry associates to ...

Benco Dental

Dental Project Manager

Chicago, IL

Position Summary As a Project Manager, you will primarily focus on leading and overseeing ... Add Installers, Project Coordinators, IT Software & Support and Digital Dentistry associates to ...

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All JobsEntry Level Associate Project Manager JobsEntry Level Associate Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Associate Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$39

$61

How much do entry level associate project manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level associate project manager in Chicago, IL is $39.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.72 and $46.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Entry Level Associate Project Manager do?

An Entry Level Associate Project Manager assists in planning, organizing, and coordinating projects under the supervision of a senior project manager. Their responsibilities include tracking project progress, maintaining documentation, communicating with team members, and ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget. This role provides valuable experience in project management principles and practices, often serving as a stepping stone to more advanced project management positions.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Associate Project Manager, you need a basic understanding of project management principles, organizational skills, and often a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello and, in some cases, entry-level certifications such as CAPM can be advantageous. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for effectively coordinating tasks, supporting senior managers, and ensuring projects stay on track and within scope.

What are some typical challenges faced by Entry Level Associate Project Managers when coordinating with cross-functional teams?

Entry Level Associate Project Managers often encounter challenges in aligning the priorities of various departments, such as marketing, engineering, and finance, especially when each team has its own deadlines and objectives. Effective communication and proactive follow-up are essential to ensure everyone is on the same page and project milestones are met. Building relationships and learning to diplomatically resolve conflicts can help facilitate smoother collaboration and keep projects on track. Over time, developing these skills not only helps overcome immediate challenges but also sets a foundation for growth into more senior project management roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Associate Project Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Associate Project ManagerProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, some certifications (e.g., CAPM)Bachelor's degree often preferred, certifications less common
Work EnvironmentInvolved in planning, scheduling, and team coordinationSupports project teams, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like IT, construction, marketingCommon in similar industries, often as entry-level support

Entry Level Associate Project Managers focus on assisting with project planning and execution, often taking on more responsibility for project deliverables. Project Coordinators primarily support project teams with administrative and logistical tasks. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Associate Project Managers typically have more involvement in project management processes, making them a step closer to project leadership.

Can I be an entry-level project manager?

Entry-level project managers typically do not require extensive experience and often have a background in related fields such as business, engineering, or IT. They usually need strong organizational skills, basic knowledge of project management tools like MS Project or Trello, and may pursue certifications such as CAPM to enhance their qualifications.

What is the 80/20 rule for project managers?

The 80/20 rule for project managers suggests that roughly 80% of project results come from 20% of efforts or activities. Entry level associate project managers can use this principle to prioritize tasks that have the greatest impact on project success, such as stakeholder communication and risk management, to improve efficiency and outcomes.

What is an entry-level position for a project manager?

An entry-level project manager position typically involves supporting project teams, coordinating tasks, and assisting with project planning and documentation. Candidates often need basic knowledge of project management tools like MS Project or Trello and may pursue certifications such as CAPM to enhance their qualifications.

How do I get into project manager with no experience?

Entry level associate project managers can enter the field by gaining relevant skills through certifications like PMP or CAPM, developing strong communication and organizational abilities, and gaining experience in related roles such as team coordination or administrative work. Internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions can also provide practical exposure to project management processes.
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What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Associate Project Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Associate Project Manager job openings:
Entry Level Associate Project Manager jobs near you
Technical Project Manager

Technical Project Manager

Penske

Naperville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Technical Project Manager

Location: Naperville, IL

Shift: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm (Onsite 4 days a week)

Position Summary:
This position is responsible for the overall direction, monitoring execution, completion, and budget of a project. This individual will be responsible for the project planning and to coordinate all project activities to ensure that the goals or objectives of a project are accomplished on schedule, within budget, and with quality results that meet or exceed the customer expectation. The project activities will include but are not limited to requirements definition, solution design, quality assurance testing, solution implementation, issue and risk management, managing effective relationships with the customer, IT and third-party vendors and project closure. This position requires the management of multiple minor to major enterprise projects or teams simultaneously while coordinating resources across the company and third-party vendors to effectively deliver the solution. This position will be the liaison between the customer and IT when delivering the solution.

 
Major Responsibilities:
- Manage multiple Minor and Major project simultaneously starting from Initiation through Plan, Execution and Close.
- Develop and maintain a project plan, which includes the project requirements, technical solution, resource plan, work plan, and estimated project duration/effort.
- Monitor all project activity, budget and resources to ensure the project remains on schedule, within budget, and that no rework will be required.
- Effectively communicate the project status, scope changes, issues and risks to the Executive Sponsor, Project Sponsor, IT Manager and all project participants.
- Understand, support, apply, and maintain the Penske Project Management Methodology, documentation and tools.
- Provide training and mentor both IT and business associates on the Penske Project Management methodology and tools.
- Identify process improvement opportunities that will eliminate defective processes and introduce better control inputs and changes.
- Facilitate cross-functional and multi-process improvement teams to address process improvement opportunities.
- Use quality tools to measure improvement implementations.
- Other projects as assigned by the supervisor
About Penske Logistics
Penske Logistics engineers state-of-the-art transportation, warehousing and supply chain management solutions that deliver powerful business results for market-leading companies. With operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Penske and its associates help businesses move forward by increasing visibility and driving down supply-chain costs. Visit Penske Logistics to learn more.

Qualifications: 
- 3-7 years of proven project management experience involving application development, infrastructure implementations and process improvement initiatives.
- 1-2 years of company experience.

 
Education:
- Project Management Certification or formal project management training-Preferred
- Formal training or knowledge on the Software Development Lifecycle or Application Development
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification-Preferred
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- Bachelor's Degree-Business Administration or Computer Science-Preferred

 
Skills:
- Excellent Project Management Skills 
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Effective Time Management/Organizational Skills
- Effective written and oral communication skills - internally, externally, and at all levels
- Excellent Customer Service Skills
- Excellent Relationship Builder/Team Player; foster a team environment
- Excellent Facilitation and Presentation Skills
- Research, Problem Analysis and Solving Skills
- Excellent Initiative/Drive/Self-Motivation
- Leadership Skills
- Working knowledge of Six Sigma quality tools
- Computer skills: Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Access
- Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job
- Willingness to travel as necessary, work the required schedule, work at the specific location required, complete Penske employment application, submit to a background investigation (to include past employment, education, and criminal history) and drug screening are required.

 
Physical Requirements:
-The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-The associate will be required to: read; communicate verbally and/or in written form; remember and analyze certain information; and remember and understand certain instructions or guidelines.
- While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be required to stand, walk, and sit. The associate is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, and feel, and to reach with hands and arms. The associate must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs/12kg.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

 
Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
Salary Range: $94,500 - 125,400
Benefits: https://penske.jobs/benefits/

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