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Program Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Chemring Energetic Devices, Inc

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 ...

Aspen Guard LLC

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:

Aspen Guard LLC

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:

Perkins & Will

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 ...

Stripe

Program Manager, GTM Planning

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

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 ...

Stripe

Program Manager, GTM Planning

Chicago, IL

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 ...

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All JobsProgram Planner JobsProgram Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL

Program Planner information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.2K

$87K

$169.5K

How much do program planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for program planner in Chicago, IL is $87,005.00, 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.

More about Program Planner jobs
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:
Program Planner jobs near you
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 $87,005 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Program Planner, Speakers Bureau

Citrus Health Group, Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Citrus Health Group is a new type of agency that brings an empathetic patient focus to the new product commercialization process. Citrus creates hand-picked teams that provide clients with scientific, clinical, pharmacologic, evidence-generation, pricing and reimbursement, market access, affordability, and patient support expertise and experience in their time of need. Client teams are built with talented experts who function as a fluid, agile, and highly energized team.
We are passionate about science; our focus is to effectively communicate science in compelling and engaging ways to drive true value and enable patients to gain access to new medicines. We do so with the highest level of integrity and respect for the ethical nature of our business.
We invite you to join our talented team of dedicated professionals, working closely together to provide the services our clients need, at the time they need them. We are driven by one word, RESPECT. We respect each other, we respect our clients, and we respect the professionals we work with on behalf of our clients. We value every team member and strive for an inclusive and collaborative culture that fosters the best in everyone.
Position Summary:
The Program Planner (Speakers Bureau) is responsible for the full-cycle planning and flawless execution of promotional pharmaceutical events. Acting as the primary liaison between pharmaceutical client field teams, healthcare professionals, and internal departments, this role demands a high degree of professionalism, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building skills.
Program Planners must demonstrate deep knowledge of client-specific business rules and compliance guidelines while delivering high-touch, seamless event execution. Success in this client-facing role requires exceptional communication, technical proficiency, and a collaborative mindset.
Essential Functions:
  • Logistically execute a high volume of promotional programs annually across one or two assigned client accounts
  • Serve as the key point of contact for sales representatives and speakers, providing proactive and responsive communication

Manage end-to-end program logistics, including:
  • Speaker confirmation, travel coordination, and honoraria processing
  • Venue sourcing, contracting, and AV coordination
  • Attendee communications and roster/data entry
  • Shipment of meeting materials, if applicable
  • Web platform setup and support (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
  • Ensure timely program closeouts, budget reconciliation, and compliance with client financial and regulatory requirements
  • Respond professionally and efficiently to program-related inquiries or issues
  • Participate in internal team meetings and contribute to process optimization efforts
  • Consistently meet or exceed program KPIs
  • Create and deliver program reports and status updates as required
  • Anticipate potential issues and offer strategic, solution-oriented responses

Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in Zoom and Microsoft Teams (including hosting, screen sharing, breakout rooms, and troubleshooting)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); intermediate PowerPoint skills
  • Proficient with survey tools, email platforms, and Adobe Acrobat PDF preferred
  • High level comfort learning and navigating event management platforms and CRM systems

Soft Skills:
  • Exceptional organizational and time management abilities
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Clear and professional verbal and written communication
  • Calm, adaptable, and solution-oriented under pressure
  • Keen attention to detail and accuracy
  • Friendly and professional customer service mindset
  • Self-starter with strong accountability and ownership
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to work flexible hours and provide after-hours support as needed

Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience managing pharmaceutical speaker bureau programs. Bachelor's degree highly preferred.
  • Proven ability to execute multiple concurrent programs with tight deadlines
  • Strong working knowledge of pharmaceutical compliance guidelines, including the Sunshine Act

The estimated salary for this position and similar roles Citrus may consider for applicants ranges from $55,000 to $70,000 per year. This is the approximate pay range that Citrus anticipates it will pay for this and similar positions at the time of this posting. Citrus is committed to offering fair and competitive pay for all employees; consistent with applicable law, final compensation will be determined based on the applicant's skills, qualifications, and experience, along with the position's requirements. Citrus reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time.
Citrus Health Group is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service, or any other class protected by state or federal law.

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