
Chancellor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Vice President, University of Illinois System
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) is seeking a visionary leader to become the 11th chancellor and vice president of the University of Illinois System. This prestigious position is an extraordinary opportunity to build on Illinois's distinguished accomplishments and propel the university toward its ambitious vision of being “a pre-eminent public research university with a land-grant mission and global impact.” Illinois stands proudly as a member of the Association of American Universities and is celebrated as the #9 top public national university by U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings. Our campus pioneers innovative research that addresses global issues and enhances human experiences. Students at Illinois engage in transformative learning experiences designed to prepare them to make significant societal impacts.
In this role, you will be responsible for managing the university's budget of $3.6 billion dollars, overseeing the development and assessment of academic programs, and advocating for Illinois in both the business and civic sectors. You will serve as the “face of fundraising,” engaging and inspiring donors, and fostering a lifelong relationship between alumni and their alma mater. As a charter member of the Big 10 Conference and NCAA, you will also advance our intercollegiate athletics program to meet Illinois’ strategic objectives. Excellent communication skills, a talent for collaboration, and an appreciation for the diverse interests that drive a world-class university are essential qualities for this position. The Illinois community includes 59,238 students, of which 20,765 are graduate students, 2,848 faculty members, approximately 11,000 academic, professional, and civil service staff members, and over 545,000 living alumni.
The chancellor and vice president must operate, think, and plan strategically at multiple scales, balancing resources and growth in a constrained fiscal environment while maintaining our university’s pre-eminence. You will lead efforts to promote technological innovation, attract world-class faculty, and ensure the continued success of our teaching and research missions. Importantly, you will champion our commitment to inclusion, excellence, access and foster a community where all members can thrive.
Located in east-central Illinois, less than a three-hour drive from major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, Urbana-Champaign offers a vibrant, affordable community with a rich culture of innovation. Enjoy farm-to-table dining, a local arts scene, and technologically advanced research facilities. As chancellor, you will have the opportunity to promote the unique qualities of life and work in the greater Urbana-Champaign community.
Greenwood Asher is assisting the University of Illinois System in the search for the dual position of the chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and vice president of the University of Illinois System. Applications must include a current CV to be reviewed for consideration. Additional application materials will be required during the review process. Greenwood Asher consultants supporting this search: Julie Holley, Marion Frenche, and Jim Johnson.
Review of candidate materials will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be sent to Greenwood Asher’s confidential email: IllinoisChancellor@greenwoodsearch.com or visit the search webpage.
The anticipated salary range for the position is $800,000 to $950,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package including the State Universities Retirement System. See Employee Benefits for more information.
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 ADAaccessibility@uIllinois.edu.