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Student Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Project Manager

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

This role is about more than managing projects - it's about taking ownership from preconstruction ... student loan repayment benefit. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and ...

Senior Project Manager

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

This role is about more than managing projects - it's about taking ownership from preconstruction ... student loan repayment benefit. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and ...

Senior Project Manager

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

This role is about more than managing projects - it's about taking ownership from preconstruction ... student loan repayment benefit. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Student Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$45.8K

$99.5K

$159.2K

How much do student project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for student project manager in Chicago, IL is $99,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $116,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a student project manager do?

A Student Project Manager is typically responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing student-led projects or initiatives within an academic or extracurricular setting. Their duties often include setting project goals, coordinating team members, managing timelines, and ensuring that the project stays on track and meets its objectives. They also serve as the main point of contact between students, faculty advisors, and other stakeholders. This role helps students develop valuable leadership, communication, and organizational skills that are useful in both academic and professional environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student project manager?

To thrive as a Student Project Manager, strong organizational skills, time management, and a basic understanding of project management principles are essential, often supported by relevant coursework or extracurricular leadership experience. Familiarity with project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Project and basic proficiency in collaboration platforms such as Google Workspace are typically used in this role. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help a Student Project Manager effectively coordinate tasks and motivate team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and with effective collaboration among team members.

How does a student project manager typically balance their academic commitments with project management responsibilities?

Balancing academic work with the demands of a Student Project Manager role can be challenging, but successful candidates often rely on strong time-management and organizational skills. You will likely need to plan ahead, prioritize tasks, and delegate responsibilities within your project team to ensure both coursework and project milestones are met. Regular check-ins and clear communication with your team help keep everyone aligned and allow you to quickly address any issues that arise. This experience not only enhances your leadership skills but also prepares you for future professional environments where multitasking and coordination are crucial.

What is the difference between Student Project Manager vs Intern?

AspectStudent Project ManagerIntern
CredentialsEnrolled student, relevant courseworkEnrolled student or recent graduate
Work EnvironmentAcademic projects, internships, or entry-level rolesCompany or organization settings, supporting teams
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, startups, corporations

The Student Project Manager typically leads or coordinates projects within academic or internship settings, focusing on gaining management experience. Interns support teams with specific tasks, often under supervision. While both roles target students seeking practical experience, the Student Project Manager role involves more responsibility in project coordination, whereas interns focus on learning and assisting.

Can I be an entry level student project manager?

Entry-level student project managers are often college or university students gaining experience in project coordination, planning, and communication. Many roles require basic organizational skills, familiarity with project management tools, and sometimes relevant coursework; prior experience is not always necessary. These positions can provide valuable skills for future project management careers and may be part-time or internship opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Student Project jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Student Project jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Student Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Student Project Manager job openings:

Senior Project Manager

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Pepper leads the construction industry with an energy and ambition uncommon today. We seek out new methods and technologies that support your vision with a practical approach, and we apply our nearly 100 years of expertise to ensure the precision, quality and confidence that comes from working alongside a partner that's dedicated to performance.

Every building starts with a solid foundation, it’s people. At Pepper, we create leaders at every level and generate momentum in every market we serve by rewarding new thinking and respecting the long-standing values that have made our company unique for generations. You'll see the impact of our leadership in everything we do - from the Preconstruction work, we deliver to the decisions we make in the field to the relationships we form and keep fresh for years to come.

As a family-owned and operated company, we take building personally.

POSITION SUMMARY:              

We're seeking a driven, experienced Sr. Project Manager to lead complex, high-value projects across our diverse portfolio. This role is about more than managing projects - it's about taking ownership from preconstruction through closeout, driving financial performance, building high-performing teams, and delivering an exceptional client experience. While our portfolio includes a variety of commercial work, this role is primarily focused on industrial facilities, warehouses and other large scale commercial projects. Candidates with a proven track record delivering projects in these markets will be the strongest fit. As a Senior Project Manager, you'll lead with accountability, solve challenges proactively, and drive successful outcomes for our clients and project teams.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  • Work with Field Supervision and Project Management to establish operation priorities and ensure safety and quality on every project
  • Ensure customer satisfaction by identifying and exceeding client needs
  • Estimate, value engineer and develop project budgets
  • Facilitate the subcontractor bid process to include processing, distribution and tracking of all project bidding documentation
  • Ability to utilize software programs and templates to process, distribute and track all project documentation
  • Negotiate subcontractor and material buyout; develop and negotiate subcontracts
  • Plan and schedule projects
  • Manage jobs in progress including subcontractor coordination, conflict resolution and documentation.
  • Manage project costs through the ongoing evaluation of labor, material and equipment; continue to forecast and analyze construction costs, exposures and profits through project completion.
  • Perform project closeout
  • Manage projects exceeding $20M - $50M

LEADERSHIP

  • Provide leadership through building relationships, motivating others, providing clear direction, and cooperative teamwork
  • Lead teams by building relationships, providing clear direction, and driving collaboration.
  • Mentor and develop project management staff, fostering high performance.
  • Communicate strategically with clients, stakeholders, and teams.
  • Coach future leaders through training and guidance.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

  • Interact with clients and potential clients to identify and pursue potential work
  • Prepare and participate in client presentations and project interviews
  • Negotiate and secure new business

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • B.S. in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field
  • 8+ years of construction management experience across diverse markets
  • Demonstrated experience managing industrial, warehouse/distribution, or similar commercial construction projects is strongly preferred.
  • A high level of communication and interpersonal skills is required.

The salary range for this position is between $120,000 - $140,000.  We consider many factors when determining the actual hiring salary.  These factors may include location, transferable skills, work experience, licensure and certification, business needs, internal equity, and market demands.

Pepper Construction is dedicated to offering our employees a comprehensive and best-in-class benefits package that prioritizes their physical, financial, and emotional well-being. We offer medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans, a generous 401k match, and a student loan repayment benefit.  In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and personal days, Pepper offers fully paid medical and parental leave, mental health services, and more.

For additional information, visit www.pepperconstruction.com

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.