Associate Project Manager
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Operations
Urbana, IL, USA
Associate Project Manager
Technology Services - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The IT Enterprise Project Management Office (IT EPMO) is seeking a highly motivated, energetic, and collaborative Associate Project Manager to support the delivery of impactful, campus-wide technology initiatives that advance the mission of the University of Illinois. This role is ideal for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys engaging with diverse stakeholders, and is excited to be part of a team that delivers high-quality, customer-focused service to the university community. The successful candidate is someone looking to build and strengthen their project management experience, bringing a solid foundation in project management principles along with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and strong communication skills. This individual will support projects from initiation through completion while continuing to grow their skills through hands-on experience, partnership, and a commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence. Fully remote work may be possible for this position per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
Why Work at Technology Services?
Highlights of Employee Benefits
Job Summary
As an Associate Project Manager, you will lead and support a variety of campus-wide projects and initiatives that align with institutional priorities. This role is responsible for managing projects from initiation through completion, ensuring clear scope, timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement across diverse units and departments. Key responsibilities include developing project plans, facilitating meetings, tracking progress, managing risks and issues, and ensuring effective communication among stakeholders. You will also support change management efforts, help implement continuous improvement practices and contribute to the advancement of project management standards across the institution. This position requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills, a proactive mindset, and a foundational understanding of project management principles, tools, and methodologies.Duties & Responsibilities
- Project Support and Execution
- Assist in overseeing a broad portfolio of projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Support the implementation and enforcement of best practices in program and project management, integrating frameworks like Agile and waterfall.
- Help adopt robust metrics and KPIs to measure project success, organizational impact, and return on investment.
- Participate in risk assessment and mitigation strategies for enterprise initiatives.
- Assist in developing comprehensive project proposals that outline objectives, scope, timelines, resource requirements, and risk assessments to ensure successful project execution.
- Strategic Project Management Support
- Provide support to senior project managers and leadership, offering insights and recommendations on enterprise initiatives and projects.
- Assist in leading high-impact, institution-wide projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and goals.
- Work with sponsors on the development and execution of multi-year strategic roadmaps, budgets, and resource plans.
- Help cultivate strong relationships with campus and university leadership to align projects with academic and administrative needs.
- Support mentoring and coaching of project managers and other team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Process Improvement and Change Leadership Support
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
- Assist in guiding teams through complex transitions and fostering stakeholder buy-in.
- Development and Training Support
- Assist with the development and implementation of training programs to promote best practices in project and program management.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build organizational capacity and resilience.
- Serve as a resource for less experienced colleagues, promoting knowledge sharing and skills development.
- Customer-Centric Service Excellence
- Advocate for a customer-first approach in all aspects of service delivery.
- Regularly assess stakeholder satisfaction and implement improvements to enhance user experience.
- Align projects and services with institutional mission and objectives to maximize value.
- All Other Duties as Assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
- Two (2) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
- Demonstrated experience supporting enterprise-scale projects or programs.
- Demonstrated basic experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and resource management for projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a project management field.
- Professional certifications such as CAPM, Agile/ScrumMaster, or Prosci Change Management.
- Experience supporting projects in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
- Demonstrated success in supporting large-scale change management initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strategic Vision: Ability to align initiatives with institutional goals and create actionable roadmaps
- Project Management Expertise: Understanding of project, program, and portfolio management methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid approaches
- Change Management: Knowledge of change management frameworks and tools, with a track record of successful support
- Process Optimization: Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, ITIL, and other process improvement methodologies
- Technological Acumen: Awareness of emerging trends, tools, and technologies, including DevOps practices
- Analytical Skills: Basic expertise in financial analysis, earned value management, and performance metrics
- Leadership: Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support and guide teams toward shared objectives
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Ability to manage complex stakeholder dynamics and build consensus
- Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- Demonstrated ability to support in a fast-paced, changing environment
- Dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within teams and projects
- Demonstrated ability to assist in leading cross-functional teams and managing stakeholder groups of all backgrounds
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5010 - Business/Administrative Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $60,000 to $70,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 4, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Kari Thompson at kathomp@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
To complete the application process:
Step 1) Submit the Staff Vacancy Application using the “Apply for Position” button.
Step 2) Submit the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability forms.
Step 3) Upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three references.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
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.
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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1035835
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu