Director and Principal - University Laboratory High School

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

About The Position

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks a Director and Principal to lead University Laboratory High School (Uni High), a selective-admission public laboratory school and model for innovative education. The Director provides strategic and educational leadership aligned with the school’s mission and the University’s broader vision, and oversees the school’s academic, administrative, financial, and operational activities. The Director advances student achievement, innovative curriculum and pedagogy, and public engagement. The role includes instructional and personnel leadership; annual review and improvement of academic programs; support for faculty lab-mission work; committee leadership; admissions oversight; financial and grant administration; and relationship-building with University, school, and community stakeholders. The Director also develops long-range plans for facilities, student services, and culturally responsive programs that support equitable access. The Director cultivates a welcoming and respectful school community that promotes collaboration, belonging, and positive relationships. The role also supports student and staff mental health and well-being through proactive leadership, supportive practices, and appropriate resources. This is a 100% full-time, benefits-eligible Academic Professional position appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is July 2027. The salary range is $130,000–$170,000.

Requirements

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 higher education institution.
Current State Administrative Certification and willingness to work toward State of Illinois Administrative Certification.
Proven leadership experience demonstrating strategic vision, superior management skills, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Proven record of managing budgets and allocating resources effectively.
Significant secondary education experience, including substantial administrative oversight or teaching roles.
Demonstrated success developing and implementing new educational programs or curricula, particularly at the secondary level.
Record of achievement working with students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Uphold and advance Uni High’s mission through innovative learning, discovery, and community engagement.
Lead efforts to sustain student achievement, transformative curriculum and pedagogy, and public engagement at local, state, and national levels.
Guide and manage the school’s academic, administrative, financial, and operational activities, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and University policies, regulations, and standards.
Collaborate with Human Resources on faculty and staff recruitment, retention, development, and evaluation.
Lead annual reviews of academic programs, ensure alignment with best practices, and implement improvements based on faculty feedback and strategic goals.
Support faculty with their lab-mission endeavors.
Lead and participate in committees addressing school operations, curriculum, labor, technology, and advancement.
Serve as liaison to the Uni Advisory Board, PTSA Board, Multicultural Parents Advisory Group, Uni Faculty Organization, and other community stakeholders.
Administer state and federal grant programs and oversee preparation of the annual budget and multi-year financial projections for the Provost’s Office.
Work with the Operations Coordinator to monitor departmental budgets and with the Advancement Office to secure funding support.
Make final admissions decisions in alignment with the school’s mission, strategic goals, and capacity.
Advocate for the school to the University, local community, and state, and cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Lead long-range planning for facilities, student services, and culturally responsive programs that promote equitable access to education.
Cultivate a welcoming, respectful school community that promotes collaboration, positive relationships, and belonging.
Support student and staff mental health and well-being through proactive leadership, supportive practices, and appropriate resources.