Program Associate Jobs in Illinois

Program associate jobs in Illinois concentrate in nonprofit management, public health, education, and policy research, with demand spread from entry-level coordinators to senior program staff supporting large-scale initiatives. Chicago leads hiring by a wide margin, with additional activity in Springfield and Evanston, where anchor institutions and government agencies maintain steady program operations. Organizations like the University of Chicago, Advocate Aurora Health, and United Way of Metro Chicago are among the most consistent Illinois employers of program associates. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles15
Top employerAbbVie
Top cityChicago, IL
Cities hiring9
Work type50% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 15+ Program Associate jobs

AbbVie
Associate Director, Transformation Program Management
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AbbVie
Added 3d ago
Associate Director, Transformation Program Management
AbbVie
North Chicago, Illinois
Business Analysis
Business Strategy
Strategy & Corporate Development
$142k - $269k/yr
Master's degree
10,000+

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The University of Chicago
Associate Director of Academic Program Operations
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The University of Chicago
Added 1w ago
Associate Director of Academic Program Operations
The University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Brand & Social Media
Content & Communications
Marketing
$88k - $110k/yr
Doctoral degree in chemistry
10,000+

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Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago
Program Associate I - Senior Center Part Time
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Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago
Added 1w ago
Program Associate I - Senior Center Part Time
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Physical Therapy
CPR Certification

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Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Program Evaluation Associate
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Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Added 1w ago
Program Evaluation Associate
Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Chicago, Illinois
Business Analysis
Data Analytics
Project Management
$59k - $74k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree
201-500

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Plexus
Program Manager Associate
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Plexus
Added 2w ago
Program Manager Associate
Plexus
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Account Management
Business Development
Partnerships & Business Development
$58k - $88k/yr
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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See All 15 Program Associate Jobs in Illinois

Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Program Associate Jobs

Program Associate Jobs by City in Illinois

Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Chicago
7 jobs
Peoria
1 job
Gridley
1 job
Rockford
1 job
Northbrook
1 job
Schaumburg
1 job
Buffalo Grove
1 job
Downers Grove
1 job
North Chicago
1 job

Program Associate Job Market in Illinois

A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

AbbVie
AbbVie1 open role
Plexus
Plexus1 open role
Lifesong
Lifesong1 open role

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education
  • Healthcare & Medical Services

What Illinois Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in program associate jobs across Illinois.

  • Bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, public health, or a related field
  • Experience coordinating or supporting grant-funded programs or nonprofit initiatives
  • Proficiency in data tracking, reporting tools, and program evaluation methods
  • Strong written communication skills for grant reports, stakeholder updates, and documentation
  • Ability to manage multiple project timelines and deliverables simultaneously
  • Familiarity with Illinois state agency processes or community-based organization structures

Program Associate Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a program associate in Illinois?

Most program associate roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public health, social work, education, or nonprofit management. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for the role itself, but positions tied to behavioral health or social services may expect candidates to hold or be pursuing an Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation credential. Employers across Chicago and Springfield typically look for internship or volunteer experience with mission-driven organizations.

Which companies hire program associates in Illinois?

Employers hiring program associates in Illinois right now include AbbVie, Plexus, and Lifesong, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of hospital systems, university research centers, and large nonprofit networks makes it one of the more active program associate markets in the Midwest.

Which Illinois cities have the most program associate jobs?

Chicago, Peoria, and Gridley have the most program associate openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because it is home to the state's largest hospital systems, philanthropic foundations, and university research hubs, while Springfield draws openings through state government agencies and statewide advocacy organizations, and Evanston benefits from Northwestern University's research and community programs.

Are there remote program associate jobs in Illinois?

Yes, and they are more common than in many fields. About 50% of program associate openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves coordination, reporting, and communication rather than on-site service delivery. Positions focused on grant writing, data analysis, and stakeholder reporting are the most likely to offer flexible or fully remote arrangements.

How can I get hired as a program associate in Illinois with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is through an AmeriCorps VISTA or Illinois state service placement, which many Chicago-area nonprofits and community health centers use as a pipeline for program staff. Large Illinois institutions like Sinai Chicago and the Illinois Public Health Association regularly onboard people from AmeriCorps, paid internships, or adjacent roles such as case manager aide, community outreach worker, or administrative coordinator. A completed internship, a relevant capstone project, or progress toward a nonprofit management certificate strengthens a candidacy considerably.

Where can I find and apply to program associate jobs in Illinois?

You can find and apply to program associate jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search for roles that match your background, then apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and location.

See All 15 Program Associate Jobs in Illinois

Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Program Associate Jobs