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Program Associate Jobs in Des Plaines, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ounce of Prevention Fund

Program Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

Program Associate The Ounce of Prevention Fund is one of Chicago's mostenergized, future-focused organizations devoted to early childhood development. Our mission is to improve the life chances for ...

Ounce of Prevention Fund

Program Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Program Associate The Ounce of Prevention Fund is one of Chicago's mostenergized, future-focused organizations devoted to early childhood development. Our mission is to improve the life chances for ...

aba

Litigation - Program Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

As the Committee and Meetings Program Associate, you will be responsible for the facilitation of the Section's committees by maintaining accurate records of committee activities, managing volunteer ...

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See Des Plaines, IL salary details

$24.4K

$51K

$88.2K

How much do program associate jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program associate in Des Plaines, IL is $51,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $58,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Program Associate?

A program associate fills a variety of roles in nonprofits and professional associations, including that of office administrator, project manager, and strategic planner. In this career, you often work to sustain your organization by managing donor programs, fundraising, and enlisting support from a corporation or government agencies. Depending on your role and the organization, your job duties may include creating plans and budgets, tracking membership or partnerships, calculating donations or other expenditures, developing program literature, and researching or analyzing data. You need to plan and execute events seamlessly, so organizational skills are vital. Common qualifications for a program associate include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

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

To thrive as a Program Associate, you need strong organizational abilities, project coordination experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is often required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help Program Associates stand out. These abilities ensure efficient program execution, smooth stakeholder collaboration, and achievement of organizational goals.

What are some of the typical challenges a Program Associate might face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Associates often juggle several projects at once, each with its own deadlines, stakeholders, and reporting requirements. Balancing competing priorities while ensuring that every project receives adequate attention can be challenging. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and proactive problem-solving are essential for success in this role. Regular check-ins with supervisors and utilizing project management tools can also help Program Associates stay organized and meet expectations.

What are Program Associates?

Program Associates are professionals who support the planning, implementation, and management of specific programs within an organization, often in nonprofit, educational, or philanthropic sectors. Their responsibilities can include coordinating program activities, tracking progress, managing data, preparing reports, and communicating with stakeholders. Program Associates often work closely with program managers and other team members to ensure that projects run smoothly and meet organizational goals. This role typically requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
More about Program Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Des Plaines, IL? The most popular types of Program jobs in Des Plaines, IL are:
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What job categories do people searching Program Associate jobs in Des Plaines, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Associate jobs in Des Plaines, IL are:
What cities near Des Plaines, IL are hiring for Program Associate jobs? Cities near Des Plaines, IL with the most Program Associate job openings:
Program Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Associate job openings in Des Plaines, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,024 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Program Associate

Ounce of Prevention Fund

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Program Associate
The Ounce of Prevention Fund is one of Chicago's mostenergized, future-focused organizations devoted to early childhood development.
Our mission is to improve the life chances for low-incomechildren through programs, training, research and advocacy.
We are recruiting individuals whowant to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment,diversity, excellence, learning and communication.
We offer a competitive salary andbenefits package, including 401(k); tuition reimbursement and professionaldevelopment opportunities; flex work hours and work-from-home options; and paidparental leave.
Reporting to the SeniorProgram Manager, Partnership for Pre-K Improvement you will:
  • Support the team in the planning, execution and monitoring of project workplans, timelines and deliverables. Build, implement and maintain systems to support leadership staff and teams in achieving strategic goals and priorities.
  • Coordinate and manage meetings, workgroups, committees and special events with both internal and external audiences. Includes agenda creation, planning, research, development of meeting materials, communications and some meeting facilitation.
  • Compose, edit and distribute written products, materials and resources including presentations, memos, reports, briefs, etc.
  • Provide timely and effective operational support. Work with leadership staff to proactively anticipate and problem-solve challenges.
  • Help conceptualize and coordinate strategies to support the Ounce's work with key external and internal stakeholders
  • Support the development and maintenance of databases and tracking systems to manage the flow of information for the team; serve as the point person for all documentation requests.

Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in social work, human/social services, English, education, business, policy/public administration or other related fields.
  • Minimum of three years experience in program and/or non-profit administration, including at least three years of experience writing materials for external audiences.

Last but not least weoffer some great perks:
  • Work from home options for qualified employees plus flexible hours.
  • Tuition reimbursement, competitive salary and benefit packages, employer contribution towards your 401k, and much more.

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