Remote Graduate Program Manager Jobs in Naperville, IL

General Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Programs & Research, the Program Manager is a part of AWE's Program team and supports the development and implementation of the organization's research projects, programs, education & training, technical assistance, stakeholder engagement opportunities, and water efficiency tools and materials. The Program Manager works closely with other staff to promote water efficiency and sustainable water management practices among AWE's network of 500+ members and to expand our outreach and impact. The Program Manager is a full-time exempt position.

Experience and Skills Requirements

• Required: Minimum of 2-3 years of project management experience with strong organizational skills; excellent verbal and written communications skills; ability to perform high-quality self-directed work in fast-paced professional environment; proficiency with full suite of Microsoft 365 products.
• Preferred: Experience with grant management; Experience with stakeholder engagement and management; Experience in a water, natural resources, or environmental field.

Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree from accredited four-year university.

Responsibilities

• Serve as project manager and/or project support for multiple research projects and programs, including tasks such managing contracts and agreements, creating project infrastructure; developing project management tools, documents and standard operating procedures; managing project schedules; and budgets and invoicing.
• Plan and facilitate programmatic education and engagement programs for AWE's member advisory committees, peer networks, and learning cohorts.
• Collaborate with staff to plan and host AWE's yearly Water Efficiency and Conservation Symposium.
• Support organization's communications staff by providing marketing and promotional content for newsletters, social media, and maintenance of organization's website regarding research projects and programmatic updates, opportunities, and announcements.
• Collaborate with membership and events staff to plan and host organizational webinars, roundtables, and other membership engagement opportunities on a bi-monthly basis.
• Participate in team efforts to explore and acquire additional funding for research and programs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with members, partners, funders, and other stakeholders to support organizational goals and objectives.
• Represent AWE in industry and public forums, including attending and presenting at conferences and webinars, sitting on industry committees, participating in industry networks and coalition meetings, and other external events.
• Participate in industry peer networks, including sitting on external committees, peer cohorts, presentations and attendance at webinars and industry conferences.
• Manage project grants, including coordinating contractual processes, budget and schedule tracking, invoicing, reporting, and communications.
• Support the implementation of AWE research initiatives, including developing scopes of work, recruiting and managing research partners, conducting data collection and analyses, report writing, and presenting results.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Benefits package offered, including but not limited to medical and dental; employer 401(k) retirement contribution and match; parental leave; vacation, sick, and holiday pay.

Location

Chicago, IL (Hybrid) or Remote

The successful candidate will have the option of working a hybrid schedule at AWE's headquarters in Chicago, IL, or working fully remotely from another US-based location. To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter as a single PDF. In your cover letter, please focus your response on addressing the following prompts:

• How have your past experiences prepared you for this role?
• How do research, policy and programs work together? Please provide an example from your experience.
• What type of work energizes you, and what excites you most about this role?
• What unique experiences or perspectives would you bring to the team?

Email hr@a4we.org with the subject line "LAST NAME – Program Manager". Priority review deadline is May 20, 2026. Position open until filled.

A note to recruitment agencies - We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

About the Alliance for Water Efficiency

AWE is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the efficient and sustainable use of water across North America. AWE advocates for water-efficient products and programs, develops cutting-edge research, and provides technical assistance to its diverse membership base. AWE partners with over 500 member organizations, providing benefits to local water utilities, businesses and industries, government agencies, universities, and professional associations.

AWE is proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. AWE is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

The requirements listed in this job description are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. If you have 75% or more of the skills, experience, and education requirements listed, we encourage you to apply. AWE is especially excited about increasing applications from people committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, including people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ persons.