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Program Lead Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Program Lead information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$93.4K

$121.1K

How much do program lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for program lead in Chicago, IL is $93,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,100.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Program Leads?

Program Leads are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating specific programs within an organization. They manage program objectives, schedules, budgets, and teams to ensure successful delivery of projects or initiatives. Program Leads often act as the main point of contact between stakeholders and program teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Their role involves strategic planning, problem-solving, and monitoring progress to achieve desired outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Program Lead, you need expertise in project management, strategic planning, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Trello, or MS Project, and certifications such as PMP or Agile Scrum Master, are typically valuable. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help a Program Lead effectively guide teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These abilities are crucial for ensuring programs are delivered on time, within scope, and meet organizational objectives.

What is the role of a program lead?

A program lead is responsible for overseeing multiple related projects within an organization, ensuring they align with strategic goals. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, monitor progress, and communicate with stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and familiarity with project management tools are essential for this role.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executives, specialized surgeons, and certain investment bankers can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, with compensation frequently including bonuses and stock options.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Program leads in high-level executive or specialized roles within industries like technology, finance, or consulting can earn $1,000,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Such positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Other high-earning roles include CEOs, investment bankers, and successful entrepreneurs, but these are less common and typically involve significant risk and investment.

What is the difference between Program Lead vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram LeadProject Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires experience in project management, certifications like PMP or PgMPTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAPM are common
Work EnvironmentLeads multiple projects within a program, strategic focusSupports individual projects, operational focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like IT, construction, healthcare for overseeing complex initiativesCommon across various industries for day-to-day project support
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare roles for leadership and strategic responsibilitiesPeople compare roles for coordination and support functions

The Program Lead oversees multiple related projects, focusing on strategic alignment and overall program success. In contrast, the Project Coordinator supports individual projects with planning and administrative tasks. While both roles require project management knowledge, the Program Lead has a broader scope and higher responsibility level.

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

Program Leads typically require relevant experience and skills in project management, leadership, and industry knowledge; they often do not require a formal degree. High-paying roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can also reach or exceed $10,000 monthly without a degree, depending on performance and market conditions. Success in these roles often depends on networking, certifications, and practical skills rather than formal education.

How does a Program Lead typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success?

Program Leads play a pivotal role in coordinating efforts between multiple departments, such as product, engineering, marketing, and operations. They facilitate regular meetings, set clear expectations, and ensure alignment on program objectives and deliverables. Effective communication and relationship-building are essential, as Program Leads often mediate between teams to resolve conflicts and keep projects on track. This collaborative environment not only streamlines workflows but also fosters innovation and accountability across the organization.
What are popular job titles related to Program Lead jobs in Chicago, IL? For Program Lead jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Lead jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Lead jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Program Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Lead job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,359 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
People Programs Lead - People Services

People Programs Lead - People Services

Insurance Office of America

Hanover Park, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Insurance Office Of America rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 261 rated insurance

Job description

Job Description:

Title:People Programs Lead-People Services

Fully Remote:candidates in Eastern or Central Time Zones
Required:Bachelor's Degree and experience in program coordination, talent development, training, and/or education
Please note: If this position is posted as either fully remote and/or hybrid, in accordance with company policy, individuals residing within a 50-mile radius of a branch location may be required to work onsite in a hybrid capacity as there may be occasions when on-site presence is necessary to meet specific business needs. Additionally, our remote work policy includes having a dedicated, distraction-free workspace. Remote work is not a substitute for childcare, elder care, or other personal responsibilities during working hours. To view our branch locations, please visit: ioausa.com/locations


About the Role: The People Programs Lead is responsible for the successful planning, coordination, execution, and measurement of enterprise People Services programs. This role partners closely with leadership, internal teams, and external vendors to deliver high-quality, consistent experiences across talent development, leadership development, culture initiatives, employee engagement, onboarding, and performance management programs. This position serves as the operational engine behind People Services initiatives ensuring programs are effectively scheduled, communicated, and executed, while continuously improving program quality and participant experience. The People Programs Lead plays a critical role in scaling programs to support organizational growth and foster alignment with IOA's culture and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Planning & Execution

  • Successfullymanageall aspects of assigned People Services programs, including planning, coordination, execution, and follow-up

  • Develop, maintain, and execute a master schedule/calendar for all programs, ensuring alignment across initiatives and audiences

  • Build and manage detailed program project plans, tracking milestones, timelines, and deliverables

  • Coordinate program logistics including scheduling, participant enrollment, materials, and delivery format (in-person, virtual, hybrid)

Participant Experience & Program Delivery

  • Manage end-to-end participant experience, including communications, registration, confirmations, and follow-up

  • Ensure consistency and quality across all program experiences, identifying opportunities to enhance engagement and effectiveness

  • Partner with facilitators and content owners to ensure seamless delivery of programs

  • Support or lead facilitation for select programs as needed

Communications & Program Promotion

  • Develop and execute communication and marketing plans for programs in partnership with Marketing & Communications

  • Build awareness and engagement acrossIOAthrough timely and effective communication

  • Create and distribute program-related materials, updates, and resources

Learning Systems & Program Operations

  • Execute the setup, coordination, and tracking of programs withinour LMS

  • Partner with training and development to ensure learning experiences are accurately implemented, delivered and/or reflected within the system

  • Maintain data accuracy and consistency for all program-relatedactivityand reporting

  • Collaborate to continuously enhance how systems and tools support scalability, reporting, and participant experience

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

  • Trackenrollment, completion, and program effectiveness metrics

  • Prepare and distribute program reports, dashboards, and insights for stakeholders

  • Gather participant feedback and evaluate program outcomes

  • Identify trends and recommend improvements to enhance program impact and scalability

Partnerships & Stakeholder Collaboration

  • Serve as primary point of contact for external vendors related to program delivery and logistics

  • Coordinate scheduling and delivery expectations

  • Partner withkey stakeholders:

  • People Services Leadership& Business Partners

  • Training & Development

  • People Analytics

  • Maintain strong relationships to ensure alignment and successfulprogramexecution

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

  • Standardize processes, tools, and workflows across programs to support efficiency and scalability

  • Maintain and improve systems used for program tracking, scheduling, and reporting

  • Proactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance effectiveness and reduce administrative burden

Other Responsibilities

  • Maintain frequent, transparent communication regarding workload, priorities, and program status

  • Deliveroutstanding service, ensuring responsiveness and proactive support for leaders and participants

  • Demonstrate a strong alignment with IOA core values and IOA behaviors contributing to a positive team culture

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree (required). Preferred in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, Communications, Education or related field

  • 5+ years of experience in program coordination, talent development, training, or related fields

  • Strong experience managing multiple projects or programs simultaneously

  • Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

  • Experience working with learning management systems (LMS), reporting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite, with experience leveraging Workday to support program execution, tracking, and reporting preferred.

  • Ability to bring structure, organization, and consistency across multiple programs

  • Strong attention to detail while managing multiple priorities

  • Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable recommendations

  • Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across functions and levels of the organization

  • Energetic self-starter with a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence

  • Positive, service-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salaries and bonus potential

  • Company-paid health insurance

  • Paid holidays, vacations, and sick time

  • 401K with employer match

  • Professional growth and career progression opportunities

  • Respectful culture and work/family life balance

  • Community service commitment

  • Supportive teammates and a rewarding work environment


Whatto Expect(Application Process):

  • 30-Minute Phone Screen, Online Assessments, and Interview(s)

Salary Range

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 annually, depending on experience, relevant skills, and geographic location.

Insurance Office of America is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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