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Graduate Project Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Project Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$37.3K

$99.5K

$157K

How much do graduate project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate project manager in Illinois is $99,501.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $119,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate project manager?

A Graduate Project Manager is an entry-level role where individuals assist in planning, executing, and overseeing projects under the guidance of senior managers. They coordinate tasks, manage resources, track project progress, and ensure deadlines are met. This role helps develop skills in project management, communication, and problem-solving, providing a foundation for career growth. Graduate Project Managers typically work in industries such as construction, IT, engineering, and business consulting.

What does a graduate project manager do?

A typical day for a Graduate Project Manager often involves assisting with planning and scheduling tasks, tracking project progress, and coordinating meetings with team members and stakeholders. You'll likely spend time updating project documentation, monitoring timelines, and addressing any challenges that arise under the guidance of senior project managers. Collaboration is central to the role, so expect regular interactions with colleagues from various departments to ensure everyone is aligned on project goals. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation for building your project management skills and advancing your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate project manager?

To thrive as a Graduate Project Manager, you generally need a bachelor's degree, analytical thinking, organization, and a basic knowledge of project management principles. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Trello, or Jira, and foundational certifications such as PRINCE2 Foundation or CAPM, can be beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability enable effective collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders. These skills help ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope while supporting your professional growth in project management.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Graduate Project Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Graduate Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Project Manager job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,501 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Project Manager (MBA Internship / Fellowship)

Childhood Cancer Society

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Childhood Cancer Society (CCS)

Remote / Hybrid (NJ & FL event opportunities)

โณ Part-Time | Semester-Based / Flexible

Ideal for MBA Candidates, Graduate Business Students, and Emerging Leaders

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Project Manager to help oversee cross-functional initiatives across fundraising, operations, partnerships, and event execution. This role is ideal for MBA students who want hands-on leadership experience while directly supporting executive-level initiatives.

As a Project Manager, you will work directly with Childhood Cancer Societyโ€™s leadership team, including our Founder/CEO and CMO, to improve operational efficiency, manage strategic deliverables, and help scale major initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage and oversee strategic projects across fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and event production

  • Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and accountability across multiple departments

  • Build and improve workflows to increase organizational efficiency

  • Assist in sponsor acquisition strategy and relationship management

  • Support planning and execution for major fundraising events, including:

(1) Adventure Ted Tees Off Against Childhood Cancer at Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck

(2) Mayor & First Lady of Saddle Riverโ€™s Benefit Dinner 2026 at Ridgewood Country Club

  • Work alongside leadership and C-suite team members on growth initiatives

  • Analyze operational bottlenecks and propose scalable solutions

  • Lead internal communication systems and project tracking

What Youโ€™ll Gain

  • Direct mentorship from nonprofit executives and senior leadership

  • Real-world project ownership with measurable impact

  • Experience in business operations, strategic partnerships, and event management

  • Exposure to donor psychology, nonprofit scaling, and executive decision-making

  • Opportunity to build a portfolio of strategic accomplishments

  • Recommendation letter from CEO, Tommy Head, upon successful completion of management objectives

  • Currently pursuing an MBA or graduate business degree

  • Strong interest in operations, consulting, nonprofit leadership, venture strategy, or organizational development

  • Excellent communication and leadership skills

  • Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple moving parts

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

  • Self-starter with entrepreneurial mindset