Antitrust - Program Specialist

American Bar Association; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Bar Association (ABA) Chicago office is seeking a Program Specialist to manage and implement multiple programs and projects, oversee budgets, and ensure compliance with ABA policies. This role reports to project chairs and works with member leaders.

Required education includes a bachelor’s degree and at least three years' experience, or a high school diploma with five years' relevant experience; intermediate MS Office skills are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least three years' experience OR high school diploma with five years’ relevant experience.
• Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office suite.
• Preferred: management or supervisory experience in nonprofit or association settings.

Responsibilities

• Manages the day-to-day organization and implementation of one or more programs or projects, including planning projects, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with ABA policies.
• Advises member leaders on strategy and procedures, including analysis of opportunities.
• Serves as principal point of contact for projects, both internally and externally; initiates regular communications with member leaders and staff, including reporting on progress and results.
• Coordinates with other interested entities on joint projects, proactively seeking internal and external partners, including sponsorship revenue management.
• Supervises one or more staff members, directly or indirectly, as appropriate to the project.
• Responsibilities may include recruitment, orientation, ongoing mentoring and annual performance evaluations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Skills

Program management

Strategic advising

Stakeholder communication

Budget oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree

High school diploma or GED

Job description

ABA Chicago, 321 North Clark, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Chicago, IL, USA

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

• The Program Specialist is responsible for the management and implementation of programs, projects, and activities of the entity. Has oversight responsibility for the entity's program/project budgets and provides substantive support and direction to the Chairs of the projects and is responsible for the execution of the programs/projects, including, but not limited to budgeting of resources, fundraising for projects that require outside funding support, marketing of projects and activities, and oversight of meetings and special events.
  

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Manages the day-to-day organization and implementation of one or more programs or projects, including planning projects, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with ABA policies.
• Advises member leaders on strategy and procedures, including analysis of opportunities
• Serves as principal point of contact for projects, both internally and externally. Initiate regular communications with member leaders and staff, including reporting on progress and results.
• Coordinate with other interested entities on joint projects, proactively seeking both internal and external partners. This responsibility may include solicitation and management of sponsorship revenue.
• Supervises one or more staff members, directly or indirectly, as appropriate to the project.
• Responsibilities may include recruitment, orientation, ongoing mentoring and annual performance evaluations.
• Performs other related duties as required.
  

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least three years' experience; OR, possession of a high school diploma or GED and at least five years’ relevant professional experience.
• Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office suite.
  

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Management and/or supervisory experience, preferably in an association or non-profit setting to include analytical problem-solving ability, and programmatic and policy development.
• Prior experience overseeing budgets and planning meetings is highly preferred.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.

ABA Chicago, 321 North Clark, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America,