Director, Native Student Services

Director, Native Student Services

The University of South Dakota invites applications for the Director of Native Student Services (NSS). This leadership position provides vision, direction, and advocacy for programs and services that support the academic success, personal development, and cultural well-being of Native Students enrolled with a federally recognized tribe or eligible for enrollment, as well as other students who seek involvement with Native Student Services. With a strong emphasis on serving first-generation students and those from rural and reservation communities in South Dakota, the Director plays a central role in fostering a welcoming campus environment, strengthening students' sense of belonging, and promoting awareness and appreciation of Native cultures across the university community.

Key Responsibilities

• Student Support and Advocacy
• Lead social, cultural and academic support services that help Native students navigate university systems, persist toward graduation, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
• Serve as a knowledgeable advocate and resource for students, faculty, and staff on issues impacting Native student success.
• Collaborate across campus to create holistic support systems and strengthen communication and shared responsibility for student outcomes.
• Programming and Events
• Provide leadership and oversight for programs, workshops, and initiatives supporting academic exploration, mentoring, financial literacy, career development, leadership, and community building, including cultural events like the annual USD Wac'ipi and collaborative initiatives like the Wiyuskinyan Unpi Tipi Native American Living Learning Community.
• Guide the use and programming of the Native American Culture Center (NACC).
• Leadership, Supervision, and Administration
• Supervise and mentor Native Student Services Coordinator.
• Manage departmental budgets responsibly.
• Ensure accurate documentation, assessment, and reporting of outcomes, including data collection and annual reports.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, student affairs, social sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with Native Students, first-generation, rural, and/or reservation-based university student populations and knowledge of the federally recognized tribes in South Dakota and their communities.
• Experience developing, implementing, and assessing student support programs or initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supervising professional or student staff.
• Familiarity with public higher education systems and policies.
• Grant writing or funding development experience.

Contact Information

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement - USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List

Optional Documents

1. Other