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Senior Program Advisor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Senior Program Manager

Chicago, IL

$119K - $120K/yr

The Senior Program Manager, Strategy & Planning is responsible for leading program planning ... Serve as a strategic advisor to program leadership by identifying opportunities to improve ...

Senior Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

The Senior Program Manager, Strategy & Planning is responsible for leading program planning ... Serve as a strategic advisor to program leadership by identifying opportunities to improve ...

Senior Academic Advisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $141K/yr

The Senior Academic Advisor supports assigned students toward a timely graduation, integrating ... Meet with prospective students and families, as needed, to provide program/curriculum information.

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Program Advisor information

See Illinois salary details

$48.5K

$133.7K

How much do senior program advisor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior program advisor in Illinois is $126,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,300.00 and $132,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Program Advisor typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives?

Senior Program Advisors often work closely with various departments such as project management, finance, and operations to ensure program milestones are met. They facilitate regular meetings, align team goals, and communicate updates or changes in strategy. Effective collaboration often involves mediating between stakeholders, resolving conflicts, and ensuring everyone is informed and working toward shared objectives. This role requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills to navigate complex team dynamics and drive successful program outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Senior Program Advisor, you need expertise in program management, strategic planning, and subject matter knowledge relevant to the program area, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management tools (like MS Project or Asana), data analysis software, and sometimes relevant certifications such as PMP are important. Outstanding interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly help differentiate top performers in this role. These skills are essential for successfully guiding program direction, ensuring effective collaboration, and achieving organizational goals.

What is the difference between Senior Program Advisor vs Program Coordinator?

AspectSenior Program AdvisorProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in program management, possibly certifications like PMPBachelor's degree often preferred, entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, stakeholder engagement, policy developmentAdministrative tasks, scheduling, supporting program activities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, large corporationsSimilar sectors, often in support roles within programs

The Senior Program Advisor typically handles strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, requiring more experience and specialized skills. In contrast, the Program Coordinator focuses on supporting daily program activities and administrative tasks. Both roles are essential in program management but differ in scope and responsibility.

What is the role of a Senior Program Advisor?

A Senior Program Advisor is responsible for overseeing and managing specific programs within an organization, ensuring they meet objectives, stay within budget, and adhere to policies. They analyze program performance, provide strategic guidance, and coordinate with stakeholders, often utilizing project management tools and requiring strong communication skills.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Senior Program Advisor jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Senior Program Advisor job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Program Advisor job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,351 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Program Advisor, Coaching Support
Under the direction of the Vice President of Program Scaling and Dissemination and the Sr. Advisor of Coaching Support, the Program Advisor, Coaching Supports ensures implementation of evidence-based coaching best practices for a case load of educators (i.e. inclusive of classroom teachers, home visitors, and family child care providers). The Program Advisor, Coaching Supports promotes continuous quality improvement for all Carole Robertson Center for Learning programs and leverages assessment, adult learning best practices, and industry standards while working with educators. The advisor will support building and sustaining a community of practice for the Center's teachers, family child care providers, and home visitors serving children 0-5 through the provision of coaching and technical assistance supported by reflective practice. This role is a critical link in building a culture of inquiry among teachers, home visitors, and direct service staff to support children's growth and development.
Major Responsibilities and Key Tasks
  • Develop and implement individual, cycle-based coaching plans for a case load of educator, ensuring implementation of coaching best practices aligned to the Practice Based Coaching (PBS) model and Bright Morning model.
  • Provide expertise for teachers and site leadership in developing and implementing quality improvement strategies.
  • Maintain a consistent coaching schedule with teachers, home visitors and/or family child care providers serving children ages 0-5.
  • Work with the date analyst team to collect, analyze, and report on program assessment and evaluation.
  • Work closely with Program and Impact leadership team to review quarterly program data and support continuous quality improvement efforts.
  • Implement, and where appropriate co-develop staff training and professional learning communities.
  • Provide support to Carole Robertson Center for Learning direct service staff through the provision of training and consultation of training needs.
  • Stay abreast of national coaching trends and early learning research to contribute to a directory of resources for educators.
  • Complete coaching notes and next steps to align coaching strategies with additional adult learning practices.
  • Assist in collecting data with various assessment tools including ECERS, ITERS, SACERS, FCCERS, CLASS, Creative Curriculum Fidelity, etc. for Carole Robertson Center for Learning programs and partners.
  • In partnership with the Program Advisor, Curricular Supports, assist in managing Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) observational data and maintaining TSG/Creative Curriculum fidelity.
  • Prepare reports and maintain relevant documentation.
  • Assists with other duties and projects as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Minimum of a bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) in early childhood education, early childhood administration, education, or a related field.
  • At least 5 years if experience in early childhood or related field.
  • Ability to gain and maintain reliability on various assessment tools in order to assist in collecting data using these tools (ECERS, ITERS, SACERS, CLASS, DECA,/DARS).
  • Advance knowledge of Teaching Strategies GOLD system, Coaching to Fidelity, NAEYC accreditation standards, and Head Start standards.
  • Advanced knowledge of child and adult learning theory, practice, and implementation.
  • Advance knowledge of teacher coaching best practices and implementation.
  • Advanced skills in use of Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent oral and written skills.
  • Must be willing and able to work evenings, weekends, or other times as required.
  • Excellent project management skills and ability to multi-task with demonstrated attention to detail.
  • Ability to oversee multiple concurrent projects effectively and ability to work well under tight deadlines.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and requirements.
Benefits
  • Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
  • Retirement savings plan (401(k))
  • Paid Time Off (vacations, sick leave, holidays)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 2026-27 CRCL Benefits Guide
  • CRCL 2026-2027 Bi-Weekly Rate Sheet
  • If you are having issues accessing the link, please be sure to check out our Careers page for more information!
Carole Robertson Center for Learning provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall transfer, leaves of absence, compensations, and training.