Coordinator of Native Student Services

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law is looking for a Coordinator of Native Student Services in Vermillion. This role focuses on supporting students from federally recognized tribes, especially from rural communities. Responsibilities include leading programs, managing resources, and fostering a supportive atmosphere for Native students.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree, understand diverse backgrounds, and possess strong communication and organizational skills. Working independently and collaboratively is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in a post-secondary learning environment including programming and student affairs.
• Demonstrated understanding of diverse student backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead administration and assessment of Native Student Services programming.
• Manage financial resources and prepare reports.
• Facilitate programming to support Native Students' success.

Skills

Oral and written communication skills

Collaboration

Organizational and administrative abilities

Understanding of college students from varied backgrounds

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Position Overview

The University of South Dakota is seeking a Coordinator of Native Student Services to be based in Vermillion. The role will report to the Director of Native Student Services (NSS) and focus on supporting students enrolled or eligible for enrollment with federally recognized tribes, especially those from rural and reservation communities. Responsibilities include planning academic, career and civic engagement programs, providing mentorship, managing the Native American Cultural Center, supporting assessment and collaborating across campus.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the administration, implementation and assessment of Native Student Services’ programming.
• Assist in managing financing resources for Native Student Services, including tracking expenditures and preparing financial reports.
• Facilitate and coordinate programming that fosters an increasingly engaged, welcoming and supportive atmosphere that nurtures achievement and success for Native Students.
• 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. Principal 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.
• Communicate with campus Marketing to share the talent and success of students, staff, faculty and alumni.
• 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.
• Oversee Work‑Study employees.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• 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.

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.