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Startup Program Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

This position is accountable for the management of maintenance programs and serves as an advisor on ... Provide oversight and startup assistance in the commissioning of new equipment. Required ...

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Startup Program Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$37.3K

$104.1K

$152.1K

How much do startup program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for startup program manager in Illinois is $104,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $128,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Startup Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, business development, and a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, often supported by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with tools like CRM platforms, project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello), and metrics tracking systems is typical, and certifications such as PMP can be advantageous. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this dynamic environment. These competencies are crucial for successfully guiding startups through growth phases, fostering innovation, and ensuring program objectives are met.

How does a Startup Program Manager typically collaborate with founders and cross-functional teams to drive program success?

A Startup Program Manager often acts as the central point of contact between startup founders, mentors, investors, and internal teams such as marketing, product, and operations. They facilitate communication, coordinate resources, and ensure that startups in the program receive the support they need to reach key milestones. This requires strong relationship-building skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Collaboration may involve organizing workshops, conducting regular check-ins, and leveraging internal expertise to help startups overcome challenges and scale effectively.

What is the difference between Startup Program Manager vs Startup Project Coordinator?

AspectStartup Program ManagerStartup Project Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple programs, strategic planning, stakeholder managementSupports project execution, schedules, task coordination
Required SkillsProgram management, leadership, communicationOrganization, communication, task management
CertificationsProject Management Professional (PMP), Agile certificationsBasic project management knowledge, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentFast-paced startup, cross-functional teamsTeam support, project-focused environment

The Startup Program Manager typically handles multiple programs, focusing on strategic oversight and stakeholder engagement, while the Startup Project Coordinator supports specific projects with task management and coordination. Both roles require strong communication skills, but the Program Manager's role is more strategic and leadership-oriented, whereas the Coordinator's role is more execution-focused.

What is a Startup Program Manager?

A Startup Program Manager is a professional responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing programs that support startup companies, such as accelerators, incubators, or corporate innovation initiatives. They work closely with entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors to provide resources, mentorship, and guidance to early-stage companies. Their role involves overseeing program logistics, selecting participants, organizing events, and tracking the progress of startups throughout the program. Startup Program Managers play a crucial role in fostering innovation and helping startups grow and succeed.
What are popular job titles related to Startup Program Manager jobs in Illinois? For Startup Program Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Startup Program Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Startup Program Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Startup Program Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Startup Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Startup Program Manager job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 27% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 22% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,132 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Senior Program Manager (GCC Operate Phase)

Senior Program Manager (GCC Operate Phase)

Citizens

Chicago, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$175K - $250K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description

Senior Program Manager - Global Capabilities Center (Operate Phase)ย 

Location and Work Model
This role requires a four day on site, one remote hybrid work schedule in one of the following organizational hubs
Johnston, RI
Phoenix, AZ
Westwood or Medford, MA
Plano, TX
Iselin, NJ
Pittsburgh, PA
Franklin, TN
Cleveland, OH
Chicago, IL

Role Focus: GCC Operate Phase Program Oversight

The Senior Program Manager for GCC Operate Phase is responsible for ensuring the ongoing consistency, and operational maturity of Citizens Global Capability Center for the Operate phase.ย 
This role is responsible for the end-to-end program governance, buildout, and operational oversight of the Operate Phase within the Global Capability Center (GCC). This role partners closely with enable the broader GCC and enterprise global strategy. The Operate Phase focuses on stabilizing and scaling operations by implementing the full global operating model, ensuring consistent service delivery, and meeting defined SLAs and KPIs.ย 
This phase includes end-to-end talent management, governance oversight, vendor management, and execution of core support functions. It also drives continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:
Operate phase Program Leadership
ย ย ย ย Provide strategic program leadership for GCC Operate Phase focused on the operating model optimization, communications, vendor oversight, and enablement of the global operating model.
ย ย ย ย Establish and manage an integrated program roadmap aligned to GCC maturity stages (startup, scale, optimize, transform).
ย ย ย ย Drive consistency in operating models, controls, governance, and service delivery across enabling functions.
Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management
ย ย ย ย Act as a central point of coordination between ETS, GCC leadership, and service providers for the Operate Phase.
ย ย ย ย Facilitate executive-level updates, steering committees, and decision forums related to the operate phase.
ย ย ย ย Drive alignment across global and regional stakeholders with competing priorities and dependencies.
Transformation & Continuous Improvement
ย ย ย ย Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability through process re-engineering, automation, and digitization.
ย ย ย ย Support enterprise transformation initiatives impacting the operate phase, including system implementations, policy changes, and operating model shifts.
ย ย ย ย Promote standardization and adoption of best practices across the GCC ecosystem.
Financial & Resource Management
ย ย ย ย Support business case development for new services, expansions, or transformation initiatives.
ย ย ย ย Optimize resource utilization across internal teams and external partners.

Required Qualifications:
Experience
ย ย ย ย 10+ years of experience in program management, operations, or shared services within large, complex enterprises.
ย ย ย ย Demonstrated experience supporting or leading large programs with having GCC Build-Operate-Transfer expertise or M&A expertise as a plus
ย ย ย ย Proven track record managing large-scale, cross-functional programs and/or GCC or shared services environments.
Skills & Competencies
ย ย ย ย Strong program and portfolio management expertiseย 
ย ย ย ย Deep understanding of enterprise governance, risk management, and compliance principles.
ย ย ย ย Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
ย ย ย ย Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities.
ย ย ย ย Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-evolving environments.


Hours and Schedule
40 hours per week
Monday through Friday


Pay Transparency
The salary range for this position is $175,000 to $250,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn additional incentive earnings. Actual pay is based on various factors including, but not limited to, the budget, work location, and relevant skills and experience.ย 

Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, parental leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs, and generous paid time off exceeding local requirements.

Citizens Benefits Overview

Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague's or a dependent's reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.

Education:Why Work for UsEmployment Type: 1ST