In the spirit of the ideals of its founders, the Board of Trustees of Roosevelt University invites nominations of, and applications from, exceptional leaders to serve as the University’s seventh President.
Roosevelt University is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1945 by faculty, students and staff dedicated to fundamental access to education, excellence in teaching and social justice issues. The University is a community of educators, scholars and learners committed to academic, creative and service excellence who value differences in personal experiences and perspectives; ask the difficult questions; and promote mutual understanding, inclusion, social consciousness and action toward social justice. Roosevelt serves a diverse student body of more than 4,500 students on campuses in downtown Chicago and in suburban Schaumburg, and it offers 128 undergraduate and graduate programs. More than 560 faculty and 358 academic, administrative and support staff provide a learning environment for students that is focused on helping them grow and achieve their educational and life goals. Over 50 student organizations, along with being the only NCAA Division II athletics program in Chicago (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), round out the Roosevelt student experience. More information about the University can be found at www.roosevelt.edu.
With four consecutive years of enrollment growth and strengthened financial stability, Roosevelt University has built meaningful momentum at a time when many colleges and universities across the country continue to face enrollment pressures and fiscal uncertainty. The University seeks a President to build on this progress and lead Roosevelt to continued growth, heightened visibility and long-term strength in a rapidly changing higher education landscape. The next President will build on the successful tenure of Roosevelt’s retiring President, Ali Malekzadeh, who has served the University with distinction since 2015.
The next President of Roosevelt University will lead an institution that has a clear mission. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered President who is committed to the University’s social justice mission and who has the imagination and energy to build on the University’s current trajectory, leading it boldly and creatively into the future. The President will work closely with the Board and the University community to provide leadership aligned with the University’s mission and commitment to shared governance and student success; expand and optimize academic programs and student support services; grow and diversify the University’s revenue streams; engage with the University community, the City of Chicago, the Village of Schaumburg, the State of Illinois and beyond; and advance the University brand.
It is essential that the next President demonstrate significant experience at the senior level of an educational institution or organization of substantial complexity, along with proven values-driven leadership, fiscal acumen and managerial success. The ideal candidate will have experience working with populations similar to those that the University serves, be an effective fundraiser and public ambassador and demonstrate integrity, transparency, accountability, emotional intelligence and ethical judgment in words and actions. A terminal degree (including, but not limited to, a Ph.D., J.D. or Ed.D.) is required.
This search is led by Christine Pendleton, Sandra Chu, Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, Ph.D. and Ray Crossman, Ph.D. of WittKieffer.
Nominations and inquiries may be directed to Sandra Chu (schu@wittkieffer.com) and Maya Holt-Brockenbrough (mayahb@wittkieffer.com). To receive the fullest consideration, candidate materials should be submitted through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal by September 4, 2026. Applicants should submit, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest that addresses the themes outlined in the profile available here.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected base salary range for this position is $500,000-$700,000. Roosevelt University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, including PPO/HDHP/HMO plans and FSA/HSA options; paid and voluntary life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; long-term care insurance; pet insurance; retirement plan options; and paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave and University-recognized holidays as well as winter break. Additional benefits include access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and wellness resources; tuition remission/tuition exchange and professional development opportunities; and commuter/parking benefits. Roosevelt University will cover expenses associated with relocation to Chicago for this role. Total compensation for this role is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience and market considerations.
Roosevelt University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes women, LGBTQ, disabled, veterans, international and minority-classified individuals as applicants for all positions.
