Executive Director Illini Union
Job Location:
Urbana, OH - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
As the community center of the University the Illini Union draws together all members of the University with approximately 16000 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.
- 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.
Education:
- Masters 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.
- 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.
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 $170000 - $190000.
This position will beexpected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on afull-time basis per the Universitys Workplace Flexibility policy limitedshort-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.
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 will not be considered. For further information about this specific position please contact Keri Collins at For questions regarding the application process please contact .
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the states flagship public university and one of the worlds leading research institutions every staff member helps shape whats next. Founded in 1867 Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59000 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 youre 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 option #1 or .
Requisition ID:
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
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Required Experience:
Director
