Project Coordinator at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

SOM, one of the most influential design firms in the world, is seeking innovative, creative, independent, and critical thinkers who aspire to the highest standards of excellence. Join our collaborative design practice as a Project Coordinator for the opportunity to build a strong and thriving career.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas:  We believe in a meritocracy of ideas.  We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. 




• Knowledge:  We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning.  We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.




• Product:  We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.




• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work.  Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.




• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration.  A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.




• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Responsibilities

Supporting a small team of Project Managers in an administrative capacity, this role is responsible for ensuring project teams are informed and scheduled appropriately; and that project documentation is complete, and filed in accordance with firm standards. ​Provide administrative support and team coordination for Project Manager and project teams, to include:

• Calendar coordination for project teams, individual calendar management if assigned to managing principals




• Draft and manage updates to internal project documentation in approved templates, at the direction of Project Managers




• Format project documents as needed, including meeting minutes, project schedule, contracts




• Manage project-related paperwork by ensuring all materials are current, properly filed and stored




• Manage communication among project teams, ensuring the team is aware of standing meeting schedules, meeting agendas, deadlines, changes to project schedules, etc.




• Run necessary reports for reference




• Travel booking for some project team members




• Expense reports for project managers




• Coordination with consultant teams as directed

Minimum qualifications

• College degree + 4 years experience in project coordination or general administrative support




• Arabic langauage skills preferred




• High School diploma + 7 years relevant experience




• Prefer some experience in a professional services environment




• Working familiarity with Google Drive and gSuite generally




• Excellent written and verbal communication skills




• Demonstrable organization skills




• Exhibits initiative, problem solving, and decision making quality with a high attention to detail

Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM.

Our Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance 

Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs 

Work/Life Balance: Hybrid/Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program 

Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development  

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $55,000 – $75,000. 

Our Culture: 

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy 

For more about SOM: www.som.com