Director and Principal - University Laboratory High School

Director and Principal

University Laboratory High School

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites applications for the position of Director and Principal at University Laboratory High School (Uni High), a prestigious, selective-admission public laboratory school that serves as a model for innovative education. As the primary leader of Uni High, the Director will provide strategic and educational leadership in alignment with the school's mission and the broader vision of the University, overseeing all operational aspects of the school. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, academic professional position, with a start date in July 2027.

Mission and Vision Leadership

• Uphold and advance the mission of Uni High to enhance student lives through innovative learning, discovery, and community engagement.
• Lead efforts to ensure continued excellence in student achievement, transformative curriculum and pedagogy, and impactful public engagement at local, state, and national levels.

Strategic Oversight

• Guide and manage all academic, administrative, financial, and operational aspects of the school, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and University policies, regulations, and standards.

Instructional Leadership

• Provide guidance on faculty and staff recruitment, retention, development, and evaluation in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Lead the annual review of academic programs, ensuring compliance with best practices and implementing improvements based on faculty feedback and strategic goals. Support faculty with their lab mission endeavors.

Committee Leadership

• Lead and participate in various committees, including those focused on school operations, curriculum, labor, technology, and advancement.
• Act as a liaison to the Uni Advisory Board, the PTSA Board, the Multicultural Parents Advisory Group, the Uni Faculty Organization, and other key community stakeholders.

Financial Management

• Administer state and federal grant programs; oversee the preparation of the school's annual budget and multi-year financial projections for presentation to the Provost's Office.
• Collaborate with the Operations Coordinator to monitor departmental budgets and work closely with the Advancement Office to secure funding support.

Admissions Oversight

• The Director will have the final say in all admissions decisions, ensuring alignment with the school's mission, strategic goals and capacity.

Community Engagement

• Serve as the school's advocate to the University, local community, and state, cultivating strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead the development of long-range plans addressing facilities, student services, and culturally responsive programs that ensure equitable access to education.

School Environment:

• Cultivate a welcoming, respectful school community that promotes collaboration, positive relationships, and belonging for all, while supporting student and staff mental health and well-being through proactive leadership, supportive practices, and appropriate resources.

• A Master's degree in a relevant field (such as secondary education, school leadership, or educational administration).
• Five or more years of leadership or administrative level experience in (a) middle and/or high school setting and/or (b) higher education institutions.
• Current State Administrative Certification and willingness to work toward State of Illinois Administrative Certification.
• Proven leadership experience with strategic vision, superior management skills, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Proven record of managing budgets and allocating resources effectively.
• Significant experience in secondary education, including substantial administrative oversight or teaching roles.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing new educational programs or curricula, particularly at the secondary level.
• A record of achievement in working with students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Ten or more years of experience in middle school and/or high school settings
• PhD or EdD with a focus in education or related fields
• Experience with innovative, experimental, and non-traditional educational environments.
• Current State of Illinois Administrative Certification

• Ability to promote student and staff mental health and well-being, cultivate a supportive school culture, and collaborate with families and mental health professionals.
• Knowledge of growth mindset principles and ability to apply resourcefulness and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to apply a motivational and flexible leadership style.

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is in July 2027. The salary range for this position is $130,000-$170,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 15, 2027. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, upload a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@uillinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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.

Champaign-Urbana

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 accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1039062

Job Category: Education & Student Services

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu