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Program Administrator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

CNA

Director, Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$97K - $189K/yr

Serve as the primary relationship leader with Program Administrators, establishing clear goals, expectations, and performance accountability * Develop and maintain strategic engagement plans to drive ...

Insight

Residency Program Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

... the Program Administrator. * Compiles and tabulates and reports data for surveys, questionnaires, census reports, accreditation reports, and other forms and documents required by internal and ...

Insight

Residency Program Coordinator

Chicago, IL

... the Program Administrator. * Compiles and tabulates and reports data for surveys, questionnaires, census reports, accreditation reports, and other forms and documents required by internal and ...

Norridge Park District

Dance Instructor

Norridge, IL

Informs program administrator of seasonal program date and time needs. Obtains supplies for programs. Contacts program administrator prior to the start of sessions to determine program registration ...

Norridge Park District

Dance Instructor

Norridge, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... Informs program administrator of seasonal program date and time needs. • Obtains supplies for programs. • Contacts program administrator prior to the start of sessions to determine program ...

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All JobsProgram Administrator JobsProgram Administrator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Program Administrator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.6K

$93.4K

$141.2K

How much do program administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for program administrator in Chicago, IL is $93,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,900.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Program Administrator, you need strong organizational skills, project management experience, and a relevant degree in public administration, business, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, budgeting tools, and reporting systems is often required, along with certifications like PMP being advantageous. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help you manage diverse teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure programs are executed efficiently, goals are met, and organizational standards are maintained.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Program administrators typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or certifications. However, roles such as freelance project managers, sales managers, or certain tech-related positions like web developers or digital marketers can reach that income level through skills, experience, and sometimes certifications, often working in flexible or remote environments.

How much do program administrators make in the US?

Program administrators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Salaries can vary based on the size of the organization and the complexity of programs managed, with higher pay often associated with advanced certifications and leadership responsibilities.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Program administrators typically do not earn $2,000 a day; such high daily rates are more common in specialized consulting, executive roles, or freelance positions in fields like finance, law, or technology. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, or independent contracting arrangements. Most standard employment positions do not pay this amount daily without additional bonuses or project-based pay.

What does a program administrator do?

A program administrator manages and oversees specific programs within an organization, ensuring they meet goals, stay within budget, and comply with policies. They coordinate between teams, monitor progress, and handle administrative tasks using tools like project management software. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What Is a Program Administrator?

A program administrator oversees the development and implementation of a program, such as an educational, community, or after-school program. Their main job duties are to coordinate staff, ensure all administrative issues—such as budgets and locations—are taken care of, and design assessment tools to determine the effectiveness of the program. Qualifications for this job include experience and skills, including leadership and time management.

What are some common challenges faced by Program Administrators when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Administrators often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges such as prioritizing tasks, coordinating resources across teams, and ensuring timely communication among stakeholders. Balancing deadlines and adapting to shifting project scopes requires strong organizational skills and flexibility. Effective use of project management tools and clear communication are essential to keep all aspects of the program running smoothly.
More about Program Administrator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Program Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Program Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Administrator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Program Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Administrator job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,435 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
Senior Program Administrator, Zell Fellows

Senior Program Administrator, Zell Fellows

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Northwestern University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Kellogg Entrepreneurship(ENTR)
Salary/Grade: EXS/8
Job Summary:
The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University offers several distinct entrepreneurial paths for our MBA students through our Entrepreneurship at Kellogg program (ENTR), including the Zell Fellows Program which is a co-curricular program for the most committed of Kellogg student entrepreneurs.
The Zell Fellows Program is the school's internal accelerator to help students learn to think entrepreneurially as well as create, acquire and/or grow businesses. The program provides mentoring and guidance, an entrepreneurial community, founder coaching, experiences, and resources in the form of both services and funding, to help each student attain personal and professional goals. The Fellows are selected based on their drive, entrepreneurial passion, and desire to support others aspiring to create and grow ventures with lasting value.
Reporting to the Administrative Director, Entrepreneurship, the Senior Program Administrator is the primary interface with the students, faculty, alumni, and various other program advisors, consultants and external stakeholders for the Zell Fellows Program. The Senior Administrator works closely with the Faculty Director to determine and execute directions for the program, manages the recruitment and application processes, coordinates the calendar of events including weekly sessions as well as international and domestic treks, and manages contracts with all contractors and venues. In addition, this role ensures that the program meets expenses as budgeted and is responsible for evaluation processes related to the program.
Specific Responsibilities:
Administration
  • Directs and leads development of program/project strategic plan.
  • Oversees & ensures that day-to-day operations are appropriately managed, efficient and effective.
  • Operationalizes goals & objectives; ensures that resources are created or obtained.
  • Manages customer service; creates associated practices & procedures & metrics to measure success.
  • Oversees data analysis & recommends & implements changes & improvement to better ensure attainment of mission.
  • Manages logistics requirements, including facilities, venue, scheduling, technology, instruction, catering, etc.
  • Oversees documentation of agreements between NU and partner institutions, ensuring that agreements are complete and reviewed by all necessary NU officials.
Budgets & Financial
  • Ensures that the program/project meets associated revenue & expense goals.
  • Develops and implements ideas for improving business processes, and increasing program/project revenues and margins.
  • Plans & manages complex budget(s) which fund strategic mission including financial sustainability & enhancement models.
  • Plans & implements annual budget process.
  • Oversees all daily, monthly & annual financial activities including transactions, analysis, & reporting.
  • Approves funds reallocation within budget as necessary & appropriate.
Communication, Outreach & Recruitment
  • Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to increase program profile, reputation, visibility and support.
  • Creates plan to drive awareness of program/project in appropriate markets.
  • Partners with academia and organizations to continue to innovate & enhance program/project.
  • Actively obtains market intelligence by monitoring program/project peers/competitors and sharing information with appropriate groups.
  • Builds relationships with appropriate communities & organizations that will result in program/project enhancement.
  • Oversees marketing of new and current programs/projects.
Evaluation
  • Oversees development & implementation of evaluation processes, quantitative & qualitative measurements that ensure that program/project benchmarks are successfully attained and communicated in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Manages evaluation processes; recommends & implements changes for enhancement; monitors effectiveness through follow-up evaluation studies.
  • Assesses programming and recommends changes that will innovate and invigorate program including cutting edge developments in the field and changes to better meet external partners' needs in order to achieve goals.
Events
  • Develops, plans & implements strategies, goals & approach for programs & events.
  • Oversees creation of events designed to implement program/project objectives.
  • Collaborates with internal/external partners to ensure that events are implemented and meet or exceed planned goals.
Program Development
  • Determines goals, objectives, outcome measurements and metrics, financial feasibility, marketing strategies and collaboration opportunities with other internal and external organizations.
  • Oversees the ongoing development and refinement of the program's/project's current and future curriculum and course offerings in consultation with subject matter experts.
  • Provides leadership for planning, scheduling, delivering and maintaining program(s)/project(s) to sustain quality instruction in all educational activity.
  • Directs actions to consistently high quality standards across all partner programs, including admissions, teaching, grading, service levels, and facilities.
Strategic Planning
  • Develops and implements a comprehensive, visionary program/project strategy designed to continually grow and improve programs and build internal/external engagement.
  • Provides guidance and support to staff in the creation of program/project components.
Student Support
  • Oversees recruitment, application evaluation, interview, selection and notification of students or participants.
  • Establishes admissions criteria in accordance with associated NU policy.
  • Manages student orientation, registration, student life, graduation, etc.
  • Addresses student matters, such as academic probation and other issues escalated from staff.
  • Ensures that an advising system is in place to support all students, including working directly with prospective and enrolled students on issues ranging from qualifications for enrollment, course and placement planning, as well as career planning.
  • Creates department strategy for structure, process, & staff support of students.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
  • 5 years program/project administration or other relevant experience.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
  • Creative, innovative and flexible thinking
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
  • Exercises sound judgment and makes thoughtful decisions.
  • Ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in higher education
Target hiring range for this position will be $74,000 - $83,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .
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