Director & Principal, Innovative Public School Leader

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

University Laboratory High School, part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign system, invites applications for the Director and Principal role. This 100% full-time academic professional position leads Uni High’s mission and the broader university vision, overseeing all academic, administrative, financial, and operational facets with a July 2027 start date.

The role emphasizes instructional leadership, strategic oversight, committee work, admissions decisions, and community engagement

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (such as secondary education, school leadership, or educational administration).
• Five+ years of leadership or administrative experience in middle/high school or higher education.
• Current State Administrative Certification and willingness to work toward Illinois Certification.
• Proven leadership with strategic vision and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Proven budget management and resource allocation experience.
• Significant experience in secondary education with administrative oversight or teaching roles.
• Experience developing and implementing new educational programs or curricula, especially at the secondary level.
• Experience working with students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead mission and vision to enhance student lives through innovative learning, discovery, and community engagement.
• Guide and manage all academic, administrative, financial, and operational aspects of the school, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and University policies, regulations, and standards.
• Oversee faculty/staff recruitment, retention, development, and evaluation with Human Resources.
• Review academic programs and implement improvements based on faculty input and strategic goals.
• Lead committees and liaise with Uni Advisory Board, PTSA, and community stakeholders.
• Administer grant programs and oversee annual budget and multi-year projections for the Provost’s Office.
• Collaborate with the Operations Coordinator to monitor departmental budgets and coordinate funding with the Advancement Office.
• Admissions oversight with final say aligned to mission and capacity.
• Promote equitable access and community wellbeing through proactive leadership.

Skills

Leadership experience

Budget management

Diversity & inclusion

Strategic vision

Administrative leadership

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

PhD or EdD preferred

Job description

University Laboratory High School, part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign system, invites applications for the Director and Principal role. This 100% full-time academic professional position leads Uni High’s mission and the broader university vision, overseeing all academic, administrative, financial, and operational facets with a July 2027 start date.

The role emphasizes instructional leadership, strategic oversight, committee work, admissions decisions, and community engagement