World Business Chicago
Strategic Initiatives Fellow, Project Management Office
World Business Chicago (WBC) is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports businesses, and promotes Chicagoland as a leading global region.
Position Summary World Business Chicago (WBC) is seeking curious and highly motivated individuals interested in economic development, civic engagement, and public service to join WBC as a temporary Strategic Initiatives Fellow through the WBC Fellows program.
A placement in the WBC Fellows program allows participants to gain hands‑on experience in economic development work. Participants will play a crucial role in supporting and managing cross‑functional strategic projects informed by WBC’s Chicago 2050 strategic plan pillars, which touch all aspects of Chicago’s economy.
Bachelor’s degree desirable; recent advanced degree graduates, and professionals seeking a career pivot highly encouraged to apply;
At least three years of professional experience strongly preferred; previous experience in consulting, economic development, public policy, project management, or a related field helpful;
Anticipated dates: mid‑February through early May 2026;
Full‑time (40 hours per week); $35 per hour paid and contracted through The Larko Group with insurance benefits after 1,500 hours, and paid time off and paid sick leave accrual policy.
Primary Responsibilities Strategic Initiative Fellows report into the WBC Project Management Office (PMO), led by WBC’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & PMO. The PMO operates as an internal consulting division that advances priority initiatives for the organization.
Fellows will lead assigned cross‑functional projects and will collaborate with multiple departments. Each project will have unique deliverables, though each one contributes directly to key WBC workstreams.
Core Responsibilities
Project Planning, Management, and Execution:
Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of WBC priority projects, ensuring they advance according to plan, while identifying and mitigating risks;
Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including internal team members, government agencies, and other external partners;
Communication and Reporting:
Effectively communicate with stakeholders of all organizational levels, with ability to prepare presentations, memos, and other collateral for diverse audiences and concisely relay pertinent findings;
Event Planning and Execution:
Curate programming content for events and convenings; negotiate, identify, and manage event vendors;
Additional duties
as identified and assigned.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred; at least three years professional work experience, graduate‑level work, master’s degree, or other advanced degree advantageous.
Experience: Previous experience in consulting, project management, economic development, public sector, or related work helpful.
Commitment to work in person at the WBC office at least three times per week for the duration of the fellowship (required).
Full‑time availability (40 hours per week) throughout the Fellowship term.
Desired Skills
Project management experience, including planning, coordination, and execution across multiple workstreams;
Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities independently;
Stakeholder management, with demonstrated ability to work across functions and engage diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, public sector partners, and external organizations;
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences;
Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, including discretion and sound professional judgment;
Analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with comfort navigating ambiguity and evolving priorities;
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external stakeholders;
Proficiency with project management tools and common software;
Curious, adaptable, and positive mindset with interest in economic development and public service.
Benefits of the Program
Professional Development:
Hands‑on experience advancing economic development initiatives;
Networking:
Opportunities to attend WBC‑affiliated events, hear from guest speakers, and work with key ecosystem partners;
Impact:
Direct involvement in projects that positively impact Chicago and contribute to economic growth;
Relationship Building:
Opportunity to develop professional connections with other program participants, WBC colleagues, and partner organizations;
Compensation:
Competitive hourly rate.
Application Process Interested candidates should apply through LinkedIn. Please ensure you submit both a cover letter and a resume. The application deadline is Wednesday, January 7, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
In your cover letter, please describe your interest in economic development, public service, project management and/or related topics.
In addition, please note if you are available on a full‑time basis from February until early May 2026 and confirm your ability and willingness to work in‑person in our Chicago office at least three days per week.
Professional references or a letter of recommendation may be requested from candidates who move to the interview stage.
Seniority level Not Applicable
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Project Management and Strategy/Planning
Industries Non‑profit Organizations
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Position Summary World Business Chicago (WBC) is seeking curious and highly motivated individuals interested in economic development, civic engagement, and public service to join WBC as a temporary Strategic Initiatives Fellow through the WBC Fellows program.
A placement in the WBC Fellows program allows participants to gain hands‑on experience in economic development work. Participants will play a crucial role in supporting and managing cross‑functional strategic projects informed by WBC’s Chicago 2050 strategic plan pillars, which touch all aspects of Chicago’s economy.
Bachelor’s degree desirable; recent advanced degree graduates, and professionals seeking a career pivot highly encouraged to apply;
At least three years of professional experience strongly preferred; previous experience in consulting, economic development, public policy, project management, or a related field helpful;
Anticipated dates: mid‑February through early May 2026;
Full‑time (40 hours per week); $35 per hour paid and contracted through The Larko Group with insurance benefits after 1,500 hours, and paid time off and paid sick leave accrual policy.
Primary Responsibilities Strategic Initiative Fellows report into the WBC Project Management Office (PMO), led by WBC’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & PMO. The PMO operates as an internal consulting division that advances priority initiatives for the organization.
Fellows will lead assigned cross‑functional projects and will collaborate with multiple departments. Each project will have unique deliverables, though each one contributes directly to key WBC workstreams.
Core Responsibilities
Project Planning, Management, and Execution:
Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of WBC priority projects, ensuring they advance according to plan, while identifying and mitigating risks;
Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including internal team members, government agencies, and other external partners;
Communication and Reporting:
Effectively communicate with stakeholders of all organizational levels, with ability to prepare presentations, memos, and other collateral for diverse audiences and concisely relay pertinent findings;
Event Planning and Execution:
Curate programming content for events and convenings; negotiate, identify, and manage event vendors;
Additional duties
as identified and assigned.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred; at least three years professional work experience, graduate‑level work, master’s degree, or other advanced degree advantageous.
Experience: Previous experience in consulting, project management, economic development, public sector, or related work helpful.
Commitment to work in person at the WBC office at least three times per week for the duration of the fellowship (required).
Full‑time availability (40 hours per week) throughout the Fellowship term.
Desired Skills
Project management experience, including planning, coordination, and execution across multiple workstreams;
Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities independently;
Stakeholder management, with demonstrated ability to work across functions and engage diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, public sector partners, and external organizations;
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences;
Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, including discretion and sound professional judgment;
Analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with comfort navigating ambiguity and evolving priorities;
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external stakeholders;
Proficiency with project management tools and common software;
Curious, adaptable, and positive mindset with interest in economic development and public service.
Benefits of the Program
Professional Development:
Hands‑on experience advancing economic development initiatives;
Networking:
Opportunities to attend WBC‑affiliated events, hear from guest speakers, and work with key ecosystem partners;
Impact:
Direct involvement in projects that positively impact Chicago and contribute to economic growth;
Relationship Building:
Opportunity to develop professional connections with other program participants, WBC colleagues, and partner organizations;
Compensation:
Competitive hourly rate.
Application Process Interested candidates should apply through LinkedIn. Please ensure you submit both a cover letter and a resume. The application deadline is Wednesday, January 7, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
In your cover letter, please describe your interest in economic development, public service, project management and/or related topics.
In addition, please note if you are available on a full‑time basis from February until early May 2026 and confirm your ability and willingness to work in‑person in our Chicago office at least three days per week.
Professional references or a letter of recommendation may be requested from candidates who move to the interview stage.
Seniority level Not Applicable
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Project Management and Strategy/Planning
Industries Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr