Project Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Project Assistant jobs in Illinois concentrate in construction management, healthcare administration, and technology project coordination, with demand at every level from entry-level coordinator to senior project support specialist. Chicago is the dominant hiring hub, followed by Naperville and Rockford, where employers like Skanska, Northwestern Medicine, and Motorola Solutions maintain long-term project operations. The most consistent openings are in infrastructure, IT project support, and clinical project coordination. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Assistant Director of Project Delivery
- Hybrid
The System Office of Capital, Utilities, and Real Estate, in collaboration with the three universities and other System colleagues, supports the University of Illinois' mission by facilitating and overseeing the development of and adherence to policies, procedures, and systems pertaining to the built environment of the University. The function of this position is to serve as the University's representative on construction projects, managing professional service consultant and contractor contracts for the design, bid/award, construction, commissioning and closeout phases of capital projects for System administered projects. The Assistant Director of Project Delivery will coordinate and assist with activities related to the delivery of capital facilities and university real estate development initiatives at all System locations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides support in preparing Requests for Proposals for diverse university facilities such as residential, academic, athletic, administrative, and research spaces involving alternative capital delivery projects utilizing public-private partnership models.
- Offer support to review, identify, and recommend solutions for construction and documentation issues related to design-build, guaranteed maximum price contracts, or integrated delivery methods, including budget, risk, and scheduling concerns.
- Collaborate with university constituents in the selection of development teams and participate in contract negotiations.
- Assist with structuring real estate transactions, conducting financial analysis, preparing documents, and coordinating ground or commercial leases that involve significant tenant build-outs or new construction projects.
- Evaluate land development proposals, municipal platting and subdivision matters, as well as infrastructure development initiatives.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote the success of established university objectives and goals.
- Perform other duties appropriate for the position of Assistant Director.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction management, engineering, urban planning, business, or related field.
Preferred:
- Master's degree in related field.
- Experience in large-scale real estate development, municipal economic development, or project delivery within higher education or the public sector.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Five years of relevant experience in real estate development, capital delivery, project management, municipal economic development, or related construction fields.
- Developing leadership abilities with a demonstrated interest in contributing to strategies that support organizational objectives and goals.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey information related to real estate transactions effectively.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Good interpersonal skills to help build and maintain productive working relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Solid analytical skills for interpreting policies and procedures, including those related to construction engineering and project management.
- Demonstrated commitment to providing responsive and effective customer service.
- Strong organizational skills, displaying sound judgment and discretion in administrative tasks.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft computer programs and applications.
Preferred:
- Project delivery experience in a higher education or public sector setting.
- Experience with owner-focused capital project management software (i.e. Kahua, Procore)
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time Academic Professional position. TThe expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position.
The budgeted salary range for the position is $90,000.00 - 110,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 9/25/2026.
System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
erhr@uillinois.edu
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting the System Human Resource Services at 217-333-2600 or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 9000928
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Chicago
LinkedIn Code: #LI-ZW1
Assistant Director of Project Delivery
- Hybrid
The System Office of Capital, Utilities, and Real Estate, in collaboration with the three universities and other System colleagues, supports the University of Illinois' mission by facilitating and overseeing the development of and adherence to policies, procedures, and systems pertaining to the built environment of the University. The function of this position is to serve as the University's representative on construction projects, managing professional service consultant and contractor contracts for the design, bid/award, construction, commissioning and closeout phases of capital projects for System administered projects. The Assistant Director of Project Delivery will coordinate and assist with activities related to the delivery of capital facilities and university real estate development initiatives at all System locations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides support in preparing Requests for Proposals for diverse university facilities such as residential, academic, athletic, administrative, and research spaces involving alternative capital delivery projects utilizing public-private partnership models.
- Offer support to review, identify, and recommend solutions for construction and documentation issues related to design-build, guaranteed maximum price contracts, or integrated delivery methods, including budget, risk, and scheduling concerns.
- Collaborate with university constituents in the selection of development teams and participate in contract negotiations.
- Assist with structuring real estate transactions, conducting financial analysis, preparing documents, and coordinating ground or commercial leases that involve significant tenant build-outs or new construction projects.
- Evaluate land development proposals, municipal platting and subdivision matters, as well as infrastructure development initiatives.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote the success of established university objectives and goals.
- Perform other duties appropriate for the position of Assistant Director.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction management, engineering, urban planning, business, or related field.
Preferred:
- Master's degree in related field.
- Experience in large-scale real estate development, municipal economic development, or project delivery within higher education or the public sector.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Five years of relevant experience in real estate development, capital delivery, project management, municipal economic development, or related construction fields.
- Developing leadership abilities with a demonstrated interest in contributing to strategies that support organizational objectives and goals.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey information related to real estate transactions effectively.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Good interpersonal skills to help build and maintain productive working relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Solid analytical skills for interpreting policies and procedures, including those related to construction engineering and project management.
- Demonstrated commitment to providing responsive and effective customer service.
- Strong organizational skills, displaying sound judgment and discretion in administrative tasks.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft computer programs and applications.
Preferred:
- Project delivery experience in a higher education or public sector setting.
- Experience with owner-focused capital project management software (i.e. Kahua, Procore)
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time Academic Professional position. TThe expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position.
The budgeted salary range for the position is $90,000.00 - 110,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 9/25/2026.
System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
erhr@uillinois.edu
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting the System Human Resource Services at 217-333-2600 or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 9000928
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Chicago
LinkedIn Code: #LI-ZW1
See All 71 Project Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Assistant JobsProject Assistant Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Assistant Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Jobot10
- Focus2
- CW Resources2
- First Onsite2
- Aldridge Electric2
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting10
- Construction & Real Estate4
- Energy1
- Education1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project assistant jobs across Illinois.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in business, project management, or a related field
- Proficiency in project management software such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to track multiple concurrent project tasks
- Experience coordinating schedules, meeting notes, and stakeholder communications
- Familiarity with budget tracking, procurement documentation, or contract administration
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional Illinois project teams
Project Assistant Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project assistant in Illinois?
Most project assistant roles in Illinois require at minimum an associate degree, though a bachelor's in business administration, communications, or a related field gives candidates a clear edge. There is no state-issued license for general project assistants in Illinois, but those working in construction-adjacent roles may benefit from OSHA safety training recognized by Illinois employers. Building experience through internships at Chicago-area firms or nonprofit organizations accelerates hiring.
Which companies hire project assistants in Illinois?
Employers hiring project assistants in Illinois right now include Jobot, Focus, and CW Resources, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of corporate headquarters, hospital systems, and large infrastructure contractors makes the state one of the more active markets for this role year-round.
Which Illinois cities have the most project assistant jobs?
Chicago, Freeport, and Rockford have the most project assistant openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share through its density of corporate offices, healthcare networks, and construction activity, while Naperville and Rockford generate consistent demand from technology employers and regional healthcare systems anchored in those communities.
Are there remote project assistant jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and they're more common than in many support roles, since project assistants in technology and administrative settings can handle scheduling, documentation, and communications from anywhere. About 17% of project assistant openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with fully on-site requirements most common in construction, healthcare facilities, and manufacturing environments.
How can I get hired as a project assistant in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an administrative or coordinator internship at a Chicago-area company, hospital system, or architecture and engineering firm. Large Illinois employers such as Rush University Medical Center and AECOM run associate and intern programs that serve as direct pipelines into project support roles. Moving laterally from office coordinator, executive assistant, or data entry positions is common. Earning a Certified Associate in Project Management credential strengthens applications without requiring prior project management experience.
Where can I find and apply to project assistant jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to project assistant jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and preferred location, and apply directly through the listings that fit.
See All 71 Project Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Assistant Jobs