Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Program assistant jobs in Illinois concentrate in higher education, nonprofit services, healthcare administration, and government agencies, with demand at every level from entry-level coordinators to senior program support specialists. Chicago anchors the market as one of the most active hiring metros in the Midwest, with Springfield and Evanston also generating consistent openings, and large institutions like the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the Illinois Department of Human Services among the most established employers in this space. The most in-demand specialties include grant administration, community outreach coordination, and social services program support. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Program Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 73+ Program Assistant jobs
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Position Type:
Program Assistants/Special Education
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Date Posted:
9/3/2026
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Location:
Jane Addams School, Palatine, IL
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Date Available:
When Filled
Special Ed Program Assistant w/SEPA* Stipend
185 days yearly
6.5 hours per day
Monday – Friday
$16.88/hr + $2.50/hr SEPA Stipend
Excellent Benefits
Please see attached job description.
Requirement:
Applicants must hold at least ONE of the following licenses through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE):- Paraprofessional License (PARA)
- Short Term Approval for Paraprofessionals (STA)
- Substitute License (SUB)
- Professional Educator License (PEL)
If you do not currently hold a license with ISBE, please click here in order to determine which license you are eligible for and then click here to apply for the ISBE license.
- SEPA- A stipend added to a position when there is special care required for the student. More information will be shared by the building administration.
EOE-
Position Type:
-
Position Type:
Program Assistants/Special Education
-
Date Posted:
9/3/2026
-
Location:
Jane Addams School, Palatine, IL
-
Date Available:
When Filled
Special Ed Program Assistant w/SEPA* Stipend
185 days yearly
6.5 hours per day
Monday – Friday
$16.88/hr + $2.50/hr SEPA Stipend
Excellent Benefits
Please see attached job description.
Requirement:
Applicants must hold at least ONE of the following licenses through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE):- Paraprofessional License (PARA)
- Short Term Approval for Paraprofessionals (STA)
- Substitute License (SUB)
- Professional Educator License (PEL)
If you do not currently hold a license with ISBE, please click here in order to determine which license you are eligible for and then click here to apply for the ISBE license.
- SEPA- A stipend added to a position when there is special care required for the student. More information will be shared by the building administration.
EOE-
Position Type:
See All 73 Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Assistant JobsProgram Assistant Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Assistant Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Community Consolidated School District 1512
- Illinois Nursing Academy5
- Bensenville Park District3
- Northwestern Medicine2
- Northern Illinois University2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program assistant jobs across Illinois.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, or a related field
- Experience coordinating program logistics, scheduling, and participant communications
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data entry or database management tools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and stakeholder correspondence
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and support program budgets or grant tracking
- Familiarity with Illinois state agency workflows, nonprofit compliance, or higher education administration
Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program assistant in Illinois?
Most program assistant roles in Illinois require at minimum an associate degree, though a bachelor's in public administration, social work, human services, or a related field is increasingly expected by larger employers such as state agencies and universities. No state-issued license is required for the general role, but positions in healthcare or social services settings may require Illinois-specific background clearances through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services or IDPH. Building experience through internships at Illinois nonprofits or university offices is the most direct path.
Which companies hire program assistants in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring program assistants in Illinois include Community Consolidated School District 15, Illinois Nursing Academy, and Bensenville Park District, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of universities, hospital systems, and state government agencies means program assistant hiring is distributed across a wide range of institutional employers rather than any single industry.
Which Illinois cities have the most program assistant jobs?
The Illinois cities with the most program assistant openings are Chicago, Palatine, and Rolling Meadows. Chicago dominates due to its concentration of major universities, nonprofit headquarters, and state and federal agency offices, while Springfield's government hub drives demand there, and smaller metros like Evanston and Champaign benefit from large anchor institutions such as Northwestern University and the University of Illinois.
Are there remote program assistant jobs in Illinois?
Yes, though availability varies by employer and function. About 8% of program assistant openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting that the role often blends desk-based coordination with in-person program delivery. Administrative and grant-support tasks are most likely to appear in remote or hybrid arrangements, while roles requiring direct participant contact or on-site program oversight are typically in-person.
How can I get hired as a program assistant in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to program coordinator or administrative support openings at Illinois nonprofits or state agencies, where entry-level titles like program aide or program support associate serve as launching points. Large Illinois employers such as the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and major university systems run work-study and fellowship programs for new graduates. Adjacent roles in data entry, case management support, or office administration at Illinois human services organizations provide transferable experience, and earning a certification in project coordination strengthens early applications considerably.
Where can I find and apply to program assistant jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to program assistant jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your background, experience level, and preferred location within the state, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 73 Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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