Executive Director - Illini Union

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks an experienced administrator to provide visionary oversight of the Illini Union and its departments. The role guides day-to-day operations and positions the organization for long-term academic and community impact.

The position emphasizes fiscal leadership, facilities planning, and strong collaboration with campus partners to enhance student services and campus life. A competitive salary is offered with benefits.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field as listed.
• 10 years of progressive experience with at least 5 years in an upper-level administrative role in student affairs.
• 5 years operating a student union or similar organization in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Directs day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Illini Union and its departments.
• Provides fiscal leadership for a $33M organizational budget and related financial planning.
• Leads long-range facilities planning, capital renewal, and space utilization projects.
• Ensures compliance with university policies, risk management, and regulatory obligations.
• Coordinates campus-wide conference operations and builds community partnerships.
• Collaborates with academic programs and campus partners to enhance shared services.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Business Administration / Higher Education / Public Administration

Job description

As the community center of the University, the Illini Union draws together all members of the University with approximately 16,000 visits of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. We are seeking individuals with varying backgrounds who can help create and foster communities that strive toward this vision. This includes supporting the academic mission of the University by developing environments conducive to student learning and academic success, respecting, appreciating, and advocating for our student population, and supporting the holistic development of all our students.

Job Summary

Provides visionary and strategic oversight, guiding day-to-day and long-term administrative functions for the Illini Union and its departments.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Illini Union and its departments including campus-wide Conference and Event Services, Student Development and Programming, Illini Union Bookstore, shared budget and marketing services, Illini Union Hotel. The Union currently employs approximately 175 full time employees and 500 student employees.
• Provides fiscal leadership for complex auxiliary operations, including budget development and monitoring, revenue planning, financial analysis, rate and fee structures, contract/vendor oversight, resource stewardship and long-term financial sustainability for a $33M organizational budget. Maintains generally accepted cash handling controls, and accounting and auditing procedures.
• Provides strategic leadership for long-range facilities planning, capital renewal, deferred maintenance priorities, renovation projects, technology improvements, space utilization, and physical asset stewardship in partnership with campus facilities, planning, public safety, procurement and other university stakeholders.
• Ensures compliance with university policies, state requirements, risk management standards, event safety protocols, emergency procedures, contract requirements, accessibility expectations, and applicable regulatory obligations for Illini Union facilities, services, events, vendors and auxiliary operations.
• Directs short-range, long-range, and strategic planning efforts for the organization. Monitors all purchasing decisions.
• Provides coordinated and consistent campus-wide conference operations and enhance community partnerships with organizations such as Experience Champaign-Urbana.
• Works closely with the Illini Union Board and assists the organization in building an include campus community through social, cultural, educational, and recreational programs and activities. Attends weekly Illini Union Board meetings, solicits advice on building policy matters, and meets regularly with the Board president.
• Collaborates with academic programs and campus partners to enhance services including shared services such as marketing, budget/finance, and housekeeping.
• Serves as liaison between the Illini Union and other departments such as Facilities & Services, Public Safety, Purchasing, Alumni Association, Human Resources, etc., and organizations.
• Serves on Student Affairs and University committees as required.
• Maintains relationships with external private vendors/operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education :

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Higher Education, Hospitality Management, Public Administration or other appropriate discipline.

Experience :

• Ten (10) years of progressive experience with a minimum of five (5) years in an upper-level administrative position in a comparable student affairs unit.
• Five (5) years of experience in the operation of a student union or similar organization in a higher education institution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to lead and direct a large and complex organization that provides programs and services that are essential to the campus community.
• A thorough understanding of how the union functions as a part of Student Affairs and the University at large. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituent groups.
• Familiar with centralized University services such as Human Resources, Purchasing, Accounting, Facilities & Services, etc., and be able to represent the Illini Union in any interaction with these areas.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12 month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 12/1/2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $170,000 - $190,000.

This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy, limited, short-term hybrid work may be approved by the supervisor under exigent circumstances.
The usual work schedule for this position is Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends required.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .

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