Virtual Project Manager Jobs in Aurora, IL (NOW HIRING)

Grant Thornton is seeking a Learning Implementation Senior Associate to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below. 

The Learning Effectiveness(LE) Learning Implementation Sr. Associate will support Program and Project Managers, Instructional Designers and Business Learning Leaders responsible for execution of training across all learning channels. At times, the Learning Implementation Sr. Associate PM will own end-to-end planning and execution of ongoing activities depending on scope and complexity. For more complex programs, they work closely with Program and Project Managers on executing project plans and all contract, scope and budget management activities. In addition to day-to-day execution of learning, the Learning Implementation Sr. Associate PM will proactively identify issues and co-develop or refine solutions. This role is a catalyst for assuring operational efficiency, helping the program clearly demonstrate business impact, while building confidence with colleagues, stakeholders and other internal clients.  This role is an implementation expert for all learning delivery channels- inclusive of Grant Thornton's largest conferences (face to face or virtual).
 

The ideal candidate will be:

• A business-minded learning/talent professional with several years of increasingly responsible project management roles and a demonstrated ability to thrive in a culture that is collaborative, service-oriented, and consultative

• Highly action-oriented, with a leadership style characterized by strong process development skills; someone who is highly self-directed at defining and carrying out implementation plans and a change agent who can build collaborative relationships across a matrixed organization

• A professional who delivers services with a pragmatic approach to business partnership and operations (prior experience in talent-related program management preferred)

• Significant history of working successfully with all levels of staff, from front-line through executive

• Strong at prioritization, consultative partnering, problem analysis and process management 

• Demonstrated ability to be effective in supporting multiple stakeholders 

• Strong personal initiative as someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and confidently do whatever it takes to get the job done 

• Strong communicator within the project team and externally to business stakeholders, while delivering clear, concise messaging

• Operationally focused with proven ability to deliver timely, consistent results

• Metric-focused with ability to use analytics to solve problems and develop business solutions

Core Responsibilities:

• Assist and at times manage learning implementation initiatives across different learning channels - instructor led, virtual and self-paced - while collaborating with global teams and learners across multiple time zones. 

• Create, own, execute, and implement annual program plans to achieve and deliver effective learning outcomes.

• Work closely on executing all core project management activities, including contract management / scope management / budget creation and management / risk management / quality management.

• Oversee program implementation activities including all process management for program activity scheduling, activity setup, monitoring, feedback gathering, LMS management, communications and reporting.

• Exceed client expectations, drive accountability, support development through implementation of solutions (learning and non-learning) in all modalities, on time and on budget.

• Build, maintain, and utilize networks of relationships to manage and effectively utilize resources (internal and external), project workflow, quality work product and budget.

• Understand and utilize key industry, business and organizational metrics to support the strategy of the firm, and the business priorities of the client/practice supported.

• Work collaboratively to provide practical and targeted information/reporting to key stakeholders in a timely manner.

• Demonstrate transparency, build things once and share them, seek advice, feedback, openly and proactively share feedback with others in the moment and across time.

• Lend support to Instructional Design team to ensure that all CPE worthy learning solutions comply with NASBA, PCAOB and other governing and regulatory body requirements.

• Work directly with vendors to translate program needs into executable plans and deliverables 

• Anticipate, identify and communicate identified issues quickly, providing guidance and recommendations to project team leaders (Program and Project Managers). 

• Provide guidance, coaching and instruction to LE Virtual Learning Implementation associates for execution of implementation related tasks across larger, more complex initiatives. 

• Build relationships with experienced Managers, Directors, SMEs and Business Sponsors/ stakeholders.

• Travel on occasion to support the implementation of in-person learning programs and conferences on-site.

• Other duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of four years of proven success in progressive roles, ideally in a matrixed environment within a professional services industry

• Knowledge of how professional service firms and their various business segments work, how they make a profit and what makes them successful

• Experience managing leadership development related programs or projects and familiarity with adult learning theory, learning methodologies, technologies and the use of social media to produce behavior change and performance results

• Ability to run meetings (status, design, info-gathering, close-out) and manage a portfolio of programs in one or more client business segments

• A reputation for integrity, judgment, responsiveness, strong attention to detail and common sense

• Strong verbal, written communication and presentation skills

• Proficiency in standard office tools included in the MS Office suite - specifically MS Copilot/Claude and other AI LLMs and agents, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Experience with Smartsheet for project management a plus

• Ability to travel on occasion (20%)

The base salary range for this position is between $76,000 and $100,000. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton's discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It's what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better. 
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services - and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.The team you're about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here's how: