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Graduate Program Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Operations Program Managers

Campus, IL · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

The Manager will develop comprehensive knowledge of all graduate business programs and Executive Education offerings and serve as a visible ambassador for the graduate portfolio. Working closely with ...

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Graduate Program Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$37.3K

$104.1K

$152.1K

How much do graduate program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate program manager in Illinois is $104,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $128,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Graduate Program Manager do?

A Graduate Program Manager oversees the planning, development, and administration of graduate-level academic programs. They coordinate admissions, curriculum design, student support services, and program evaluation to ensure students have a positive and productive experience. Additionally, they often serve as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, and external partners, addressing concerns and ensuring compliance with university policies. Their role is crucial in maintaining the quality and reputation of the graduate program.

What is the difference between Graduate Program Manager vs Program Coordinator?

AspectGraduate Program ManagerProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees or certifications in management or related fieldsBachelor's degree typically sufficient; relevant experience valued
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing multiple programs, managing teamsAdministrative support, coordinating activities, handling logistics
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, corporate training, nonprofit programsUniversities, corporate offices, nonprofit organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in program managementLooking for support or administrative roles in programs

The Graduate Program Manager typically handles strategic planning, oversees multiple programs, and manages teams, requiring higher education credentials. In contrast, a Program Coordinator focuses on administrative tasks and logistics support. Both roles are common in educational, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

How does a Graduate Program Manager collaborate with academic departments and external partners to enhance program outcomes?

A Graduate Program Manager frequently acts as a liaison between students, faculty, and external organizations to ensure the program meets educational and industry standards. They coordinate with academic departments to align coursework and research opportunities with current trends and employer needs. Additionally, they may develop partnerships with employers or alumni networks to facilitate internships, mentoring, and job placements for program participants. Effective collaboration requires proactive communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to balance diverse stakeholder interests.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Program Manager, you need expertise in program administration, curriculum development, and student advising, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, learning management systems, and compliance regulations is often required. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring effective program delivery, student satisfaction, and compliance with academic standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Program jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Graduate Program jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Program Manager jobs in Illinois? For Graduate Program Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Program Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Program Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Graduate Program Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Graduate Program Manager job openings:
Graduate Program Manager jobs near you
Operations Program Managers

Operations Program Managers

University of Utah

Campus, IL

$54K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

334th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Details
Open Date 06/05/2026 Requisition Number PRN45272B Job Title Operations Program Managers Working Title Manager, Graduate Program Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives Career Progression Track P00 Track Level P2 - Developing FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
  • Monday through Friday, on-site at the University of Utah.
  • Occasional evenings or weekends may be required to support classes, events, networking functions, or recruitment activities.
  • This role is not eligible for hybrid or remote work and is considered an essential campus position supporting faculty, staff, students, and prospective students in person.
VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00033 - Executive Education Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $54,000 to $73,000 Close Date 06/12/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The University of Utah seeks a highly collaborative, relationship-oriented professional to serve as Manager, Graduate Program Partnerships.

Reporting jointly to the Associate Dean for Graduate Business Programs & Executive Education and the Assistant Dean for Enrollment Marketing, this position serves as a central connector across graduate business programs and Executive Education initiatives. The role supports efforts to strengthen enrollment pathways, enhance program visibility, foster collaboration across programs, and build relationships that contribute to long-term program growth and student success.

The Manager will develop comprehensive knowledge of all graduate business programs and Executive Education offerings and serve as a visible ambassador for the graduate portfolio. Working closely with enrollment management, student services, program leadership, and external stakeholders, this individual will help cultivate strategic partnerships, engage prospective students, coordinate portfolio-wide initiatives and events, identify opportunities for collaboration and cross-promotion, and contribute to efforts that create more intentional pathways into graduate education.

The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, highly organized, and energized by connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys building meaningful relationships, creating momentum around new initiatives, and helping individuals navigate important educational and career decisions.

This position offers broad exposure across graduate education and Executive Education initiatives and the opportunity to contribute to enrollment growth, stakeholder engagement, and the continued advancement of graduate and professional education opportunities at the University of Utah.
Responsibilities
Graduate Program & Executive Education Partnerships
  • Develop and maintain relationships with partner institutions, community organizations, employers, alumni, and other stakeholders that support graduate business programs and Executive Education initiatives.
  • Identify and cultivate opportunities that strengthen enrollment pathways, program visibility, and strategic partnerships.
  • Serve as a point of coordination for partnership-related initiatives spanning multiple programs and stakeholder groups.
  • Support efforts to build relationships that drive long-term program growth and engagement.

Enrollment Engagement & Pipeline Development
  • Develop comprehensive knowledge of all graduate business programs and Executive Education offerings and effectively communicate program value propositions to prospective students and stakeholders.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable resource for prospective students, helping them evaluate educational opportunities aligned with their goals.
  • Build and maintain prospective student pipelines through events, presentations, meetings, and other engagement activities.
  • Collaborate with enrollment and admissions teams to support recruitment, conversion, and enrollment growth initiatives.
  • Utilize CRM and related tools to track engagement, manage relationships, and support enrollment efforts.

Graduate Portfolio Coordination
  • Serve as a central connector across graduate business programs and Executive Education initiatives, fostering collaboration and alignment among stakeholders.
  • Build strong working relationships with faculty, program leaders, enrollment teams, and student services professionals.
  • Identify opportunities for cross-promotion, shared initiatives, and increased visibility across the graduate portfolio.
  • Support initiatives that strengthen the prospective student, admitted student, and overall student experience.

Events & Engagement
  • Lead planning and execution of portfolio-wide events, preview programs, information sessions, partner visits, and other engagement activities.
  • Collaborate with program teams to develop event strategies that support enrollment, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Ensure a high-quality and consistent experience for prospective students, partners, alumni, and visitors.
  • Leverage events as a tool for relationship building, program awareness, and enrollment growth.

Strategic Initiatives & Operational Support
  • Support strategic initiatives that advance graduate program and Executive Education priorities.
  • Conduct research, gather information, and develop recommendations to support planning and decision-making.
  • Coordinate cross-functional projects involving multiple programs, departments, and stakeholders.
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials in support of leadership priorities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
  • Experience in recruiting, enrollment management, admissions, business development, account management, partnership development, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated success building relationships and developing pipelines through consultative engagement.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Experience coordinating events, partnerships, programs, or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
  • Experience utilizing CRM systems and related tools to track engagement and outcomes.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
  • Experience engaging professional, client, customer, student, or other relationship-driven audiences preferred.
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

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Headquarters location

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Year founded

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