Coordinator of Native Student Services

South Dakota Board of Regents; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Dakota seeks a Coordinator of Native Student Services to lead programming, financial oversight and strategic partnerships for students connected to federally recognized tribes. The role emphasizes rural and reservation communities and collaboration across USD’s campus.

Under the Director of Native Student Services, you will mentor students, coordinate events, advise student organizations and manage the Native American Cultural Center and Work-Study staff.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently without clear direction.
• An experienced collaborator within higher ed and/or departments and organizations across USD’s campus.
• Exceptional organizational and administrative abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the administration, implementation and assessment of Native Student Services’ programming.
• Assist with managing financial resources for Native Student Services, including tracking expenditures and preparing financial reports.
• Facilitate programming and events focused on academic culture, academic success, career readiness, and civic engagement; provide mentorship to enrich the social and cultural university experience.
• Build belonging and community, assist with recruiting, retaining, and fostering success of students from rural and reservation communities.
• Bridge for strategic partnerships to increase access, persistence, retention and success of students.
• Work with and support USD faculty, staff, and students to raise awareness of Native Student communities and issues.
• Advise one or more student organizations with emphasis on Native culture and support to non-Native groups focused on first generation and rural students.
• Manage the Native American Cultural Center and oversee Work-Study employees.

Skills

Excellent oral and written comms

Independent work

Collaborator in higher education

Organizational skills

Job description

The University of South Dakota is seeking to fill the position, Coordinator of Native Student Services. This position will work under the direct supervision of the Director of Native Student Services ( NSS ) and will support efforts focused on students enrolled or eligible for enrollment with a federally-recognized tribe with a federally recognized Indian tribe or who may be eligible for enrollment, with an emphasis on students from rural and reservation communities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Lead the administration, implementation and assessment of Native Student Services’ programming. Assist with managing financial resources for Native Student Services, including tracking expenditures and preparing financial reports.
• Facilitate programming and events focused on academic culture and academic success, career readiness, and civic engagement; as well as providing mentorship to enrich the social and cultural university experience
• Build a sense of belonging and community and assist with recruiting, retaining, and fostering the success of students from rural and reservation communities.
• Serve as a bridge for strategic partnerships that will lead to programs, services, and strategic initiatives that focus on increasing the access, persistence, retention, and success of students. Principle among these are the University Housing Wiyuskinyan Unpi Tipi Living Learning Community, the Opportunity Center and TRIO Student Support Services.
• Work with and support all USD faculty, staff, and students in improving awareness regarding Native Student communities, issues, and experiences.
• Serve as a resource to and work collaboratively and cooperatively with other campus offices and constituencies as needed and able.
• Advise one or more student organizations with an emphasis on Native culture and provide advisory support to non‑Native student organizations with an emphasis on first generation and rural students.
• Manage the Native American Cultural Center and oversee Work‑Study employees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Demonstrated understanding of college students from varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives
• Experience working with students in a post‑secondary learning environment, including student programming, student affairs, advising, admissions, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently without clear direction
• An experienced collaborator within higher ed and/or departments and organizations across USD’s campus
• Exceptional organizational and administrative abilities

Posting Date

Posting Date 10/01/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date

First Consideration Date 10/19/2026

Advertised Salary

Advertised Salary Starting salary $46,421; based on qualifications

Duration of the Term

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent

Appointment Percent 100

Work Hours

Standard office hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

Faculty Status

Faculty Status No

Scope of Search

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

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This position requires

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Department Description and Cultural Expectations

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.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

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Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List

Optional Documents

• Other

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affidative Action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. In addition, the Board of Regents fully supports incorporation of non‑discrimination and Affidative Action rules and regulations into all of its employment practices. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.

Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.

South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3455