President

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 950,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois System invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of System President. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President will provide strategic vision, foster authentic communication, and lead collaborative operational excellence across Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield.

The role calls for a thought leader with foresight and a collaborative spirit to position the system as a preeminent public higher education institution and to advance

Qualifications

• Leadership experience at a university system or large higher education organization.
• Proven ability to align strategy with multiple campuses and stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, public mission, and economic impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for the University of Illinois System across all three universities.
• Foster authentic communication and collaboration among campuses, leadership, and external partners.
• Direct operational excellence and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.

Job description

University of Illinois System - President

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees - the governing board of the state’s largest higher education system consisting of three universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield - invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of University of Illinois System President. Reporting to the Board of Trustees and working closely with leadership at each university and within the System Offices, the President will lead the System into the next era of higher education with strategic vision, effective and authentic communication, and collaborative operational excellence.

The Board of Trustees is seeking a thought leader with the foresight, creativity, and collaborative spirit to position the University of Illinois System as a preeminent leader among public institutions of higher education. With its breadth, momentum, and statewide reach, the system offers its next President a powerful platform to build on extraordinary success, shape the future of higher education, and advance opportunity and prosperity for Illinois and all Illinoisans.

The University of Illinois System is one of the nation's most consequential public higher education systems, bringing together three distinct and exceptional universities within a system-level enterprise that connects, amplifies, and extends their impact. United by a shared public mission, the system educates more than 101,000 students, sustains an annual research portfolio exceeding $1 billion, and is strengthened by a global alumni community of nearly 890,000.

A complete Leadership Profile with additional information may be found here.

Additional information about the University of Illinois System can be found at www.uillinois.edu.

Nominations and Applications

The Presidential Search Committee will begin the review of applications immediately and continue work until an appointment is made. Only completed applications received by Friday, August 28, 2026, are assured full consideration.

Applicants should submit materials electronically and include:

• A letter of interest based on the Leadership Profile, addressing specifically elements in sections labeled - President's Areas of Operational Responsibility and Leadership Profile of the Next President- and describing the candidate's relevant experience in light of the University of Illinois System's expectations for the President;
• A current curriculum vitae, and
• The names, email addresses and telephone number(s) of five references. (Please specify your professional relationship with each.)

This is a 100% full-time administrative professional position. The budgeted salary range for this position is $950,000 to $1,500,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition benefits for employees and dependents.

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.

Nominations and expressions of interest will be treated in confidence. All applicants and candidates names will remain confidential. The selected candidate will be announced publicly at the conclusion of the search process.

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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting System Human Resource Services at 217-333-2600 or by emailing [e-mail].