Job Details

Presidential Search

College of Lake County (IL)

The Board of Trustees of the College of Lake County (CLC) invites applications and nominations for an exceptional leader to serve as the institution's next President. Located in northeastern Illinois and within the greater Chicago metropolitan area, CLC is committed to providing equitable, high-quality education, cultural enrichment, and workforce partnerships that transform lives and strengthen communities. The College seeks a visionary, collaborative, and student-centered leader to build on its strong momentum and guide the institution into its next chapter of innovation, growth, and impact. 

Serving more than 23,000 students annually across degree and certificate programs, workforce training, adult education, English Language Acquisition, and early college opportunity/dual credit, CLC is a vital engine of educational attainment and economic vitality in Lake County. The College operates three campuses in Grayslake, Waukegan, and Vernon Hills, as well as three specialty centers. With more than 1,500 faculty and staff, strong partnerships with employers, government leaders, and community organizations, and a commitment to student success, CLC plays a vital role in preparing learners of all ages for successful careers, continued education, and civic engagement.  

CLC enters this presidential search from a position of strength. The College has realized record student success outcomes, earned designation as an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction, and has been recognized as a Top 200 U.S. Community College eligible for the Aspen Prize. Guided by its 2030 Strategic Plan, the College is advancing initiatives focused on student access and success, community vibrancy, organizational agility and digital transformation. As an open-access institution and federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, CLC welcomes learners from all backgrounds and is committed to removing barriers, expanding educational opportunity, and providing equitable and affordable pathways to transfer, career advancement, economic mobility, and lifelong learning. 

The next President will have the opportunity to shape the future of one of Illinois' leading community colleges. Working closely with faculty, staff, students, community partners, business leaders, and an engaged Board of Trustees, the President will provide strategic leadership that advances student and employee success, workforce development, institutional sustainability, and community impact.  

As the chief executive officer and primary ambassador of the College, the President will cultivate partnerships across education, business, government, and community organizations to address evolving workforce needs, promote economic mobility, and strengthen Lake County's future prosperity. The President will champion innovation, support organizational excellence, and articulate a compelling vision that positions CLC to meet the needs of future generations of students and communities.  

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic and inspirational leader who is passionate about the transformative power of community colleges. 

About Lake County Illinois

Lake County is home to more than 700,000 residents and reflects a broad range of cultural, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Situated between Chicago and Milwaukee along the shores of Lake Michigan, the county is home to Fortune 500 and global companies and serves as a major center for manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. Lake County's diverse population, strong workforce ecosystem, and commitment to education make it an ideal environment for innovation, partnership, and community impact.  

Search Process

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has been retained to assist the Board of Trustees in this search. The search is being conducted with a commitment to broad engagement, transparency, and confidentiality throughout the process. Applications, nominations, and inquiries are encouraged.

For full consideration, application materials should be received by November 6, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Additional information regarding application procedures, required materials, and the job profile can be found on the ACCT Search site https://acctsearches.org/president-college-of-lake-county-il/.