Program Administrative Assistant

The Larko Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Larko Group in Chicago seeks a Program Manager to support strategic initiatives, international engagement, and economic development efforts. The role balances program coordination, event execution, and administrative support across multiple priorities and partners.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with experience managing complex logistics, supporting senior leadership, and building strong relationships across diverse organizations.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in program coordination, project management, event planning, or related field.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to balance multiple projects.
• Attention to detail in budgeting, reporting, scheduling, and event logistics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for senior leaders, partners, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support key initiatives, programs, and strategic events.
• Coordinate committees, working groups, and external partners.
• Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of events, programs, and exchanges internationally.
• Develop, manage, and track budgets for projects and programs.
• Coordinate domestic/international delegation itineraries with public- and private-sector partners.
• Serve as liaison to government representatives and community leaders.
• Collaborate with internal teams on fundraising, marketing, and communications.

Skills

Organizational skills

Budget management

Project coordination

Event planning

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Logistics management

MS Office proficiency

Tools

CRM systems

Excel

Job description

The Program Manager supports a range of strategic initiatives focused on global engagement, community partnerships, and economic development. This position balances program coordination, event execution, project management, and administrative support across multiple priorities and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with the ability to manage complex logistics, support senior leadership, build strong relationships, and execute initiatives across international, civic, and economic development efforts.

Responsibilities

• Support the organization’s key initiatives, programs, and strategic events.
• Provide coordination and administrative support to committees, working groups, and external partners.
• Lead and project manage a diverse portfolio of events, programs, and international exchanges across business, culture, education, and government.
• Develop, manage, and track budgets for projects, programs, and committees.
• Coordinate domestic/international delegation itineraries in collaboration with public- and private-sector partners.
• Serve as a key liaison to government representatives, diplomatic partners, community leaders, and other external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams on fundraising, marketing, communications, and event logistics.
• Represent the organization at events, meetings, and external engagements.
• Maintain partner databases and prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Provide administrative support across Finance, HR, Development, and other organizational functions.
• Manage expense reporting, financial tracking, and documentation related to travel, meetings, programs, and partnerships.
• Support grant and program reporting by tracking metrics, outcomes, timelines, and deliverables.
• Coordinate and execute event planning and logistics for organizational convenings, meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
• Plan and manage travel logistics, itineraries, and scheduling for senior leadership and visiting delegations.
• Assist in preparing presentations, briefing materials, and other resources to support stakeholder and partner engagement.
• Maintain organized records of agreements, partnerships, program materials, and other key documentation.
• Support cross-functional coordination to ensure initiatives are aligned with broader organizational priorities.

Ideal Experience

• 2–4 years of experience in program coordination, project management, event planning, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, able to balance multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Exceptional attention to detail, particularly when managing budgets, reporting, scheduling, and event logistics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with senior leaders, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaborate effective in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with CRM or database systems is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Flexibility to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends based on business and event needs.
• Interest in community engagement, global affairs, economic development, and building relationships across diverse organizations and sectors.