EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Illini Union

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 beexpected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on afull-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy, limited,short-term hybrid work may be approved by the supervisor under exigentcircumstances.
The usual work schedule for this position is Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, withoccasional evenings and weekends required.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Pleasemake sure to upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for atleast three professional references whenapplying. Additionally, if you have your transcripts please upload those as well. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Keri Collins at [redacted]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact [redacted].

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.

Requisition ID
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu