Programs Manager

Programs Manager

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce | Chicago, IL

Reporting to the Vice President of Programs, the Programs Manager plays a pivotal role in
designing, coordinating, and delivering impactful programming that strengthens the Chamber's influence and value to members.
This position is highly collaborative, working across all Chamber departments, program councils, and external partners to ensure seamless execution of initiatives that address critical business issues and foster a thriving regional economy.

Applicants should be results-driven, creative, and comfortable working with senior executives, business leaders, and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring a strong sense of intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a passion for building programs that deliver measurable impact. Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to translate industry trends into actionable programming, facilitate productive conversations between diverse stakeholders, and continuously identify opportunities to elevate the Chamber's role as a convener and problem-solver for Chicagoland businesses.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic partner to the Vice President of Programs, supporting the execution of 50-60 annual programs that enhance member engagement and industry leadership.

• Support the Technology, Mid-Market, Women's Business, and Workforce & Talent Councils, ensuring effective operations through well-organized meetings and programs to address industry trends and member needs.

• Manage the Emerging Leaders program, leading communications, sponsorship and engagement strategies, and program growth initiatives.
• Manage the Chamber Leadership Academy, facilitating collaboration among Chamber executives and organizing meetings to share best practices and bring in speakers to facilitate learning.
• Track and manage program budgets, sponsorship allocations, and financial reporting.
• Coordinate event logistics, including complex scheduling, venue selection, speaker engagement, and sponsorship alignment to ensure seamless execution.
• Research emerging business, workforce, and policy trends to proactively shape future programming.
• Organize and maintain program lists and structured trackers to plan ahead, manage deadlines, and ensure timely execution of initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, members, and business leaders to support engagement and program success.
• Collaborate across Chamber departments to support 90+ events annually, streamlining processes and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Onboarding new program members by providing program overview and introducing them to their program of interest.
• Develop content outlines, speaker briefs, and talking points to ensure programming is timely, relevant, and high-quality.
• Support marketing and communications teams by providing program highlights, success stories, and promotional content.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required, ideally in business administration, marketing, communications, public policy, or a related discipline that supports program development, stakeholder engagement, and organizational strategy.

Typically requires at least 3 years of experience with a focus on driving engagement, delivering measurable outcomes, and managing multiple concurrent projects. Experience leading or managing programs, councils, or initiatives, ideally within a business association, nonprofit, or membership-based organization, a plus.

Experience in program budgeting, financial management, and/or sponsorship or grant administration with a demonstrated ability to align resources to organizational priorities and report on program impact.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required.

Familiarity with the Chicagoland workforce system is a plus but not required.

Key Competencies:

The ideal candidate will be:

·      Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

·      Strategic and solutions-focused, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate needs and challenges.

·      Collaborative and relationship-driven, skilled at building trust with internal colleagues, Chamber members, and external partners.

·      Self-motivated and proactive, able to work independently while contributing to a high-performing, close-knit team.

About the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $65,000 depending on experience. The compensation package for new full-time employees includes a 401k with match, covering approximately 70% of the employee premium for health and vision benefits, 100% of the employee premium for dental benefits, and life insurance. Additionally, the Chamber provides all full-time employees with a hybrid work environment, parental leave, two weeks of accrued vacation, transit benefits, access to an onsite fitness center, among other benefits.

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process.

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization that represents more than 1,000 member companies, which collectively employ 400,000 employees and generate $24 billion in revenue. The Chamber combines the power of membership with its legacy of leadership and business advocacy to drive a dynamic economy. To learn more, visit