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Program Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Program Planner

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The Program Planner must also have outstanding communication skills, a focus on providing exceptional customer service and a collaborative, positive attitude. Responsibilities: * Staff liaison to ...

Planner

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$71K - $89K/yr

The Planner supports manufacturing operations by executing core planning activities that ensure ... Coordinate cross-functional updates with Engineering, Production, Purchasing, Quality, and Program ...

Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $66K/yr

The Production Planner will play a pivotal role in optimizing our manufacturing operations by ... Employee recognition and development programs * Comprehensive benefits package including: * Medical:

Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $66K/yr

The Production Planner will play a pivotal role in optimizing our manufacturing operations by ... Employee recognition and development programs * Comprehensive benefits package including: * Medical:

Lab Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

A Lab Planner will be responsible for assisting the laboratory project planning effort toward the ... Develops a comprehensive understanding of clients' program requirements and standards and policies ...

About the team The GTM Planning team partners with Sales Leadership, Finance, Product, and Legal to ... Develop detailed project plans, set milestones, and ensure program integrity * Standardize ...

About the team The GTM Planning team partners with Sales Leadership, Finance, Product, and Legal to ... Develop detailed project plans, set milestones, and ensure program integrity * Standardize ...

Medical Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Medical Planner Perkins&Will Chicago is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Medical Planner to join ... Assists in the production of an architectural program for clients. * Actively participates in a ...

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Program Planner information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.2K

$87K

$169.4K

How much do program planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for program planner in Chicago, IL is $86,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Program Planners when coordinating multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Planners often manage several projects at once, which can present challenges such as balancing competing priorities, ensuring clear communication among diverse teams, and adapting to shifting deadlines. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential to keep projects on track and aligned with overall organizational goals. Additionally, Program Planners regularly collaborate with project managers, stakeholders, and team members, requiring a proactive approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution.

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

To thrive as a Program Planner, you need strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills, typically backed by a relevant degree such as business administration or project management. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, ERP systems, and certification such as PMP or CAPM is often required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and adaptability are essential soft skills for coordinating teams and managing shifting priorities. These skills are crucial for ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet organizational objectives.

What Is a Program Planner?

A program planner’s job entails obtaining knowledge about the company’s overall goals and using that information to develop or manage specific programs or projects that further those goals. As a program planner, your duties are to provide support to various team members who carry out daily, weekly, or monthly tasks to streamline their workflows. To succeed in improving the quality and efficacy of programs, you provide support when it comes to operating budgets, overseeing the schedule for projects, and identifying areas for improvement. This job requires excellent communication, multitasking, and organizational skills. Qualifications for this career typically include a bachelor’s degree in business administration and prior experience in a relevant role.

Is a program coordinator a hard job?

A program coordinator role can be demanding as it involves managing multiple projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring deadlines are met. The job requires strong organizational skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities, and workload can vary depending on the organization and scope of programs.

What does a program planner do?

A program planner is responsible for developing, organizing, and managing projects or programs within an organization. They create schedules, allocate resources, coordinate teams, and monitor progress to ensure objectives are met on time and within budget. Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills are essential for this role.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule for jobs often refers to the expectation that new employees, including program planners, should demonstrate their skills and adapt to the role within the first three months of employment. This period is commonly used for onboarding, training, and initial performance evaluations to ensure fit and productivity. It is also a typical timeframe for probationary periods in many organizations.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Program Planner, high-paying roles often include senior project management, program management, or executive positions in large organizations, which can reach or exceed $300,000 annually with experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These roles typically require strong organizational skills, industry knowledge, and often advanced degrees or certifications like PMP or PgMP.

What is the difference between Program Planner vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram PlannerProject Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in planning, management, or related field; certifications like PMP are commonUsually needs a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAPM can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentWorks in government agencies, non-profits, or large organizations focusing on long-term program developmentWorks across various industries managing specific projects within larger programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in public sector, healthcare, education, and large corporate programsCommon in construction, IT, marketing, and event planning

Program Planners focus on designing and managing comprehensive programs with multiple projects, emphasizing strategic planning and long-term goals. Project Coordinators handle specific projects, ensuring tasks are completed on time and within scope. While both roles require organizational skills and certifications like PMP or CAPM, Program Planners have a broader scope involving program-level oversight, whereas Project Coordinators focus on individual project execution.

What are popular job titles related to Program Planner jobs in Chicago, IL? For Program Planner jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Planner jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Planner jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Program Planner job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,986 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Program Planner

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Join a World-Class Organization Making a Global Impact
Founded in 1927, MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association representing the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals. With members from more than 80 nations and territories and nearly 700 companies, MDRT is internationally recognized as the standard of excellence in the financial services profession. Our members are distinguished by their exceptional professional knowledge, unwavering ethical standards, and commitment to outstanding client service.
At MDRT, our employees play a vital role in supporting a mission-driven organization that serves a diverse global membership. We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment where employees are encouraged to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to our continued success.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, including fully paid medical coverage for employees, 70% employer-paid medical coverage for dependents, fully paid dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents, educational assistance, a 401(k) matching program, and a defined benefit pension plan.
MDRT is seeking a highly organized and collaborative Professional Development Program Planner to manage all aspects of the programming for assigned MDRT global meetings and serves as a liaison between member volunteer committees and staff departments. This position works in a fast-paced, team-oriented, deadline-driven, professional environment and must have strong project management, planning skills and attention to detail. The Program Planner must also have outstanding communication skills, a focus on providing exceptional customer service and a collaborative, positive attitude.
Responsibilities:
  • Staff liaison to assigned MDRT Program Development Committee (PDC)
  • Manages all aspects of assigned MDRT meetings’ program development and implementation and maintains knowledge of current and future trends in association programming and management.
  • Monitor all phases of program development to ensure deadlines are met and appropriate logistic requests are communicated to appropriate MDRT staff and committee members. Assist Chair to draft agendas for all committee meeting and conference calls. Manage the speaker recommendation, review and selection procedures.
  • Lead assigned Program Development Committee (PDC) with identifying and prioritizing topics to develop a Focus Session content strategy aligned with the member needs, target segments, and meeting value proposition.
  • Lead PDC with the identification, selection and contracting of speakers for all assigned meetings. Coordinate all aspects of the programming and speaker management and serve as a liaison between internal committees and staff departments. Collect speaker recommendations from committee members and speaker bureaus in order to curate potential speakers to present to the committee for review.
  • Research current and future trends in programming topics, formats, etc. Participate in professional development activities. Participate in association professional organizations. Explore opportunities and methods for introducing new concepts to volunteer committee members and MDRT staff.
The ideal candidate will have the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • 2-5 years of experience in a nonprofit association, specifically in volunteer management or similar.
  • Preferred experience in adult learning, program development, or continuing professional education.
  • Professionalism to work with individuals around the globe.
  • Strong project management skills including the ability to organize and prioritize complex workloads and effectively manage multiple projects at various stages of their implementation with attention to detail and deadlines.
  • Excellent customer service and relationship building skills with staff and committee members.
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to interact with technical and business audiences at all levels at internal and stakeholder organizations; respond positively and creatively to new challenges and responsibilities as they arise.
  • Effective collaborator with colleagues, committee members and vendors.
  • Growth mindset: open and willing to learn and implement best practices and participate in peer-to-peer training and development.
  • Ability to develop and produce quality written work that is appropriate, thorough, and accurate, effective written and verbal communication and be an agile facilitator.
  • Computer proficient, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), as well as online collaborative tools such (Google docs, SharePoint); embrace, learn and use technology.
The position is required to be in our Park Ridge, IL office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.