Dean of the School of Labor and Employment Relations

Dean of the School of Labor and Employment Relations
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER).

The university seeks a Dean with broad intellectual insights, top-tier scholarly credentials, and the leadership and managerial capacity to sustain and build upon the School's current and longstanding success. The selected candidate will bring successful experience in a university environment with a distinguished record of leadership and intellectual achievement. The position requires a leader with a strategic mindset; superb management and leadership skills; outstanding administrative, budgetary, and fundraising experience; a demonstrated commitment to building welcoming and inclusive academic communities; and an ability to manage the challenges of undergraduate, graduate, and extension education in an interdisciplinary unit. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to labor and employment relations, dedication to interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship, superior communication skills, and the entrepreneurial vision to inspire students, staff, faculty, and alumni. The position requires a commitment to internal and external relationship building and an appreciation for the School's unique sense of community. The Dean must be able to guide LER's unique impact in embracing visions of the future of work and contributing materially to stronger, healthier, more prosperous, and democratic workplaces.

The LER Dean is a senior administrator with a tenured faculty appointment, who serves as a member of the Council of Deans and reports to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. The Dean will hold the Milton and Zelda Derber Professorship. Accordingly, candidates must hold a terminal degree and have a distinguished record of teaching and scholarly accomplishment commensurate with an appointment at the rank of full professor. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment with a negotiable start date.

The LER Dean is expected to contribute to a strong culture of cross-campus interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurial activity that are hallmarks of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

About the School of Labor and Employment Relations: The School of Labor and Employment Relations at Illinois is a recognized leader in research and education, conducting world-class research and preparing students for exciting careers in human resources and industrial relations. A stand-alone unit, the School is expanding its undergraduate programming, offering both a Global Labor Studies minor and a certificate in Human Resource Management. This growth reflects the School's expanding academic offerings and commitment to reaching new student populations, supported by more than 300 graduate students, 2,000 extension students, and 26 faculty members representing a range of disciplinary backgrounds. In 2019, the School completed a major $6 million renovation and expansion of its classrooms and common spaces. For more information, please visit

Nomination and Application Process

Parker Executive Search is assisting the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the search. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately, and interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date. No hiring decision will be made until after the close of the search. For full consideration, materials should be provided by Monday, February 9, 2026; however, materials will be considered until the position is filled. The budgeted salary range for this position is $275,000-$375,000 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Nominations should include the name, position, address, and telephone number. Application materials should include a letter outlining qualifications, current vitae, and the names and contact information for five references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and vitae should be sent via emails below or the Parker Executive Search website.

Laurie Wilder, President

Porsha Williams, Vice President

Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal

Scott Gaffney, Associate

Parker Executive Search

Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875

Atlanta, GA 30328

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Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a preeminent public research university and land-grant institution whose mission is to enhance the lives of people in Illinois, across the nation and around the world through our leadership in learning, discovery, engagement and economic development. The university research portfolio includes funding from all major federal research agencies and regularly leads the nation in National Science Foundation funding. The Illinois campus community includes approximately 37,000 undergraduate students, 21,000 graduate and professional students, 3,360 tenured/tenure track faculty members, 13,160 academic professionals and staff members. The university is a leader in providing access for students with disabilities. Additional information about the U. of I. may be obtained from its website:

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io, option #1, or View email address on click.appcast.io.

Requisition ID : 1034043

Job Category : Faculty

Apply at: Apply Now