The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites nominations and applications for an accomplished, collaborative, and forward-looking leader to serve as the next Dean of the School of Information Sciences (iSchool). This position offers an exceptional opportunity to build upon the School’s distinguished history, advance its academic and research mission, and shape its continued growth and impact.
The School of Information Sciences at Illinois is an international leader in education, research, and engagement in the information and library sciences. Known for its interdisciplinary approach to understanding the creation, organization, management, use, and impact of information and technology in society, the School brings together scholars from diverse disciplines. Building on its longstanding commitment to librarianship and the public good, the School examines how people and communities create, access, use, preserve, and share information across changing social and technological contexts. Its multidisciplinary, human-centered research connects information practices and technologies with the needs of individuals and society, bringing together perspectives from the sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. Through work in areas such as data and information stewardship, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, privacy, accessibility, and the ethical implications of technology, the School advances research and education that respond to complex challenges and foster collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
The iSchool offers undergraduate programs in Information Sciences and Information Sciences + Data Science, along with interdisciplinary programs in Informatics and Game Studies, and established master’s and doctoral programs and additional professional and interdisciplinary study opportunities. The School has a longstanding reputation for innovation in education, with its Master of Science in Library and Information Science ranked first nationally by U.S. News & World Report since 1996. A pioneer in online education for decades, the School continues to evolve its academic offerings to meet the changing needs of students and the information professions.
The School’s interdisciplinary research enterprise is supported by nationally and internationally recognized centers, laboratories, and collaborative initiatives. These include the Center for Informatics Research in Science and Scholarship; the Center for Children’s Books; the Center for Health Informatics; the iSchool Statistical Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Lab (iSAIL); the Data Exploration Lab; the Scientific Language Processing Lab (ScienceNLP); and the Social Sensing & Intelligence Lab, as well as creative and experiential initiatives such as Skeuomorph Press and the FabLab. Together with the School’s broader research activities and partnerships, these initiatives demonstrate the breadth and impact of its scholarship. For additional information about the School of Information Sciences, please visit https://ischool.illinois.edu/.
As chief academic and administrative officer, the Dean will:
The ideal candidate will be an accomplished and visionary academic leader with a record of significant academic accomplishment and leadership; demonstrated administrative experience appropriate to the complexity and scope of the School; a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and public engagement; and the ability to lead effectively within a complex and interdisciplinary academic organization. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision, foster collaboration, recruit and support outstanding faculty and staff, manage financial and organizational resources, build external partnerships, and lead advancement and fundraising efforts. The Dean will bring outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, a collaborative and transparent leadership style, sound judgment, and the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.
The successful candidate must possess an earned doctorate or other appropriate terminal degree and a distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, and service sufficient to qualify for a tenured appointment at the rank of tenured full professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The position of Dean of the School of Information Sciences reports to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. This appointment is a full-time, twelve-month position with an anticipated start date of July 2027, or as soon thereafter as mutually agreeable. The budgeted salary range for this position is $325,000–$375,000 annually. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The successful candidate will also hold a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of professor in the School of Information Sciences.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
Isaacson, Miller 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 the search closes. For full consideration, materials should be provided by February 15, 2027; however, materials will be considered until the position is filled.
Nominations should include the individual’s name, position, address, and telephone number. Application materials should include a letter outlining qualifications, current curriculum 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 application materials should be submitted through the Isaacson, Miller website.
Vijay Saraswat - Partner
Karen McPhedran – Managing Associate
Elizabeth Arvanitis – Managing Search Coordinator
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 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 you’re 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.
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 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: req18454
Job Category: Faculty
