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 business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.

Position Summary

World Business Chicago (WBC) is seeking curious and highly motivated individuals interested in civic engagement and public service to join the WBC Fellows program. 

The WBC Fellows program is a cohort-based, part-time and temporary professional opportunity that allows participants to gain hands-on experience in economic development work. Participants will play a crucial role in supporting and managing organizational strategic projects, which touch all aspects of our region’s economy. The program will include speakers and networking opportunities designed to strengthen cohort relationships and build connections with external partners. 

Key details:

• Bachelor’s degree desirable; current graduate students, recent advanced degree graduates, and professionals seeking a career pivot are highly encouraged to apply
• Flexible start and end dates; priority application deadline is March 17, 2025;
• An initial three-month term, with opportunities to extend
• Part-time (29 hours per week); $30-40 per hour

Primary Responsibilities

The WBC Fellows program is part of the WBC Project Management Office (PMO), and Fellows will report to the Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & PMO. The PMO supports implementation of WBC strategic initiatives through resourcing, project management oversight, and standardized processes and tools. 

Fellows will be assigned to one or more strategic projects and will collaborate with multiple departments. Each project will have unique deliverables, though Fellows will share key primary responsibilities, which may include but are not limited to:

• • Project Planning, Management, and Execution: Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of WBC priority projects, ensuring they advance on time and within budget, 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;

• 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 2-3 years professional work experience, graduate-level work, master’s degree, or other advanced degree advantageous.
• Experience: Previous experience in 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.

Desired skills:

• Project management experience;
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with ability to effectively manage multiple projects at once;
• Excellent written communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with high emotional intelligence;
• Proficiency in project management software and tools;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• Curious, flexible, and positive mindset.

Benefits of the program:

• Professional Development: Guidance and mentorship from WBC staff; hands-on experience driving large-scale economic development initiatives forward;
• Networking: Opportunities to attend WBC-affiliated events, hear from guest speakers, and work with 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 send a resume and cover letter to hr@worldbusinesschicago.com. The priority application deadline is Monday, March 17, 2025 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, and how this fellowship aligns with your career goals. 
• Please note professional references or a letter of recommendation will be requested from candidates who move to the interview stage.
• This is a part-time, temporary position with no health benefits