Advisor - Student Success

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Flexible benefits

Job summary

A state university in Brookings is seeking a Student Success Advisor to enrich the college experience by supporting students. This full-time, 12-month position entails advising students, developing success initiatives, and coordinating educational programs. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree and possesses strong organizational and communication skills. Excellent benefits include medical, dental, and retirement plans. This position is a significant opportunity to impact student success directly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with three years of experience in student development.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to apply student development theories.
• Effective written and verbal communication with faculty, staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Support and advise students to enhance their university experience.
• Develop and implement student success initiatives.
• Coordinate student organizations and signature programs.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

If you have a passion for helping students succeed, South Dakota State University has an opportunity for you. The Office of Student Connection and Engagement is looking for a Student Success Advisor who will help to enrich the college experience by supporting students through social, cultural, educational and recreational pursuits. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position and is located in Brookings.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Student Connection and Engagement is committed to ensuring all students have access to academic excellence, a safe and supportive environment while attending college and leave prepared for leadership in both career and community. The office is part of the Student Engagement Center, which supports student success by fostering connection and community, removing barriers, and promoting academic, personal, and professional growth. The center brings together departments with shared goals to strengthen collaboration and elevate service to students, including Veterans Services and Engagement, the American Indian Student Center, International Student and Scholar Engagement, the Office of Student Accessibility, and Student Connection and Engagement.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide support and focus on creating opportunities for all students to succeed at the university through student success advising. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing student success initiatives, providing educational programs for the university community and advising student organizations including, but not limited to, coordinating signature university programs.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience in a student development related field completed by start date.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to apply student development theory as well as interpret and implement policy.
• Ability or potential to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with faculty, staff and students.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work as a contributing team member.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree and at least one year of related experience (can include Graduate Assistantships) by start date.
• Knowledge of college student activity programs, program assessment, and retention initiatives.
• An understanding of current trends in higher education impacting student success.
• Knowledge of the development of peer mentoring.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes April 6, 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at [phone] if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact Marjoanne Collins at [e-mail].

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land‑grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [e-mail]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].