Director of Lab School Strategy, Innovation, and Partnerships

Title: Director of Lab School Strategy, Innovation, and Partnerships
Department: Dean of Education
Campus

Location:

Normal, IL

The Director for Lab School Strategy, Innovation, and Partnerships provides college-level leadership to advance the mission, quality, and innovation, and university integration of Illinois State University’s Laboratory Schools. The position serves as a strategic partner to the Dean and lab school principals, connecting the lab schools to the College of Education’s academic, research, professional, and community-engagement priorities.

The Director leads initiatives that span the lab schools, including curriculum and program development, research partnerships, policy development, innovation, professional learning, family and community engagement, and external relations. The position strengthens connections among the lab schools, the College of Education, the University, and external partners while supporting continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.

Primary areas of responsibility will include:

• Lab School strategy and college/university integration
• Curriculum, innovation and continuous improvement
• Leadership and communication
• Research and scholarship
• Family, community, and external engagement
• Policy and organizational development
• Leadership and communication

The College of Education at Illinois State University is the root of the University’s legacy. The College has been preparing excellent teachers and education leaders ever since its founding in 1857. Illinois State University is the largest preparer of teachers in the United States (Title II, 2025). With almost 1000 teachers and 187 education leaders who graduate each year, the College of Education is a premier place for educator preparation.

The University is ranked among the Top 100 Best Graduate Education Schools in US News & World Report (2026). The College houses three academic units, including the School of Teaching and Learning, Department of Educational Administration and Foundations, and the Department of Special Education. The College also is home to two laboratory schools, Thomas Metcalf (PK-8) and University High School (9-12).

The laboratory schools engage in broad partnerships across 27 educational programs within the College and University.

$100,000 - $115,000

University Benefit Highlights:

• Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
• Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
• Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
• Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
• Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

• 1. Master’s degree in education or related field
• 2. 5 years or more experience in public education including teaching and progressive leadership
• 3. Demonstrated leadership in innovation and community partnerships
• 4. Demonstrated leadership in leading curriculum, teaching, and learning within an educational organization
• 5. Evidence of leading and building consensus around multiple stakeholder groups
• 6. Strong understanding of and ability to interpret and develop policy, facilitate organizational decision-making, and communicate implications across stakeholder groups

• 1. Doctoral degree in education or related field
• 2. Experience with seeking and managing grants and external funding
• 3. Experience as a senior district- or state-level leader in education
• 4.…