Project Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL
Project Assistant jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Loop, River North, and the Fulton Market district, with strong demand across construction, healthcare, consulting, and financial services. Employers actively hiring include CW Resources, HDR, and AECOM. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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 Chicago
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Find Project Assistant JobsProject Assistant Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Energy
- Education
- Staffing & Recruiting
Project Assistant Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a project assistant job in Chicago?
Focus your search on the Loop and River North, where consulting firms, financial institutions, and corporate headquarters cluster, and on Fulton Market, which hosts a dense concentration of tech and healthcare companies. Construction management firms along the lakefront and major hospital systems on the North and South sides also hire consistently. Candidates who can demonstrate proficiency in project tracking tools and have experience coordinating across teams stand out in Chicago's competitive market.
Which companies hire project assistants in Chicago?
Chicago project assistant roles are posted by CW Resources, HDR, and AECOM and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's mix of global consultancies, large healthcare networks, and infrastructure firms means openings appear across both corporate and nonprofit employer types throughout the city.
Are there remote project assistant jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the role: desk-based coordination and administrative project work can go remote, while construction, facilities, and on-site support roles typically require a physical presence. About 55% of project assistant openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, skewing toward roles in consulting, healthcare administration, and professional services. Research and data-tracking responsibilities are the tasks most commonly offered remotely.
How can I get a project assistant job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through large hospital systems and university medical centers on the North and South sides, which regularly hire coordinators and project support staff at the entry level. City government agencies and nonprofit organizations in the civic sector also post junior project roles that do not require prior experience. Building familiarity with scheduling software and demonstrating strong communication skills in your application gives candidates a clear edge with Chicago employers hiring at this level.
Which industries hire the most project assistants in Chicago?
Most project assistant openings in Chicago sit in Construction & Real Estate, Energy, and Education, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's status as a hub for commercial real estate development, major hospital networks, and global management consulting firms drives sustained demand for project support across all three sectors.
See All 71 Project Assistant Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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