Department Head for Mathematics and Statistics and Professor

South Dakota Board of Regents; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 158,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

South Dakota State University invites applications for the Department Head and Professor position in Mathematics and Statistics. The role is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible appointment located in Brookings, SD, reporting to the Dean of the Jerome J.

Johr College of Engineering. The anticipated start date is January 2027 and the salary is commensurate with qualifications, with a minimum of $175,000.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mathematics, statistics, data science or closely related field by date of application.
• A distinguished record of teaching, research, and service with eligibility for tenure and rank of Professor at SDSU.
• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills including management of academic and research programs and budgets.
• Experience securing competitive grants from federal, industry, and/or corporate sources.
• Understanding of the land-grant mission and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Department Head duties to promote the land-grant mission and advance research and graduate programs.
• Steer growth of the department in line with SDSUPathway to Premier 2030 and engage with interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Administrative skills

Communication skills

Fundraising/grants

Strategic planning

Education

Ph.D. in mathematics/statistics/data science

Job description

Department Head for Mathematics and Statistics and Professor

Working Title Department Head for Mathematics and Statistics and Professor

Posting Number

Posting Number F01929P

Department

Department SDSU-Mathematics & Statistics

Physical Location of Position (City)

Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings

Posting Text

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics (Math & Stat) at South Dakota State University ( SDSU ) invites applicants for the Department Head and Professor position. We are looking for a dynamic and collaborative leader who is committed to providing a rigorous and practical educational experience with an emphasis on expanding federally funded research and graduate programs to support South Dakota State University’s R1 Our Way mission, as well as establishing and providing scientific support to local industry and government. This position is 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position, located in Brookings SD and reports to the Dean of the Jerome J. Johr College of Engineering ( JJLCOE ). Anticipated start of January 2027.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers the following undergraduate programs: AS in Data Science, BS in Data Science, and BS in Mathematics. The BS in Mathematics includes the following specialty areas: Actuarial/Financial Concentration, Applied Mathematics Concentration, Data Science Concentration, and Teaching Specialization. Graduate programs include the following: Data Science Certificate, MS in Data Science, MS in Mathematics, MS in Statistics, and PhD in Computational Science and Statistics. Many students in our vibrant graduate program serve in GTA and GRA positions. Currently, the department has approximately 180 undergraduate majors, 60 graduate students, 17 tenure-track faculty, and 9 full-time lecturers.

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

Posting Date

Posting Date 08/10/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date

First Consideration Date 09/07/2026

Advertised Salary

Advertised Salary The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $175,000.

Duration of the Term

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent

Appointment Percent 100

Proposed Rank

Proposed Rank Professor

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

Scope of Search

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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].

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Department Head will work closely with the Dean and the leadership team of the JJLCOE to promote the land-grant mission and an ambitious agenda to address the world’s grand challenges in the areas of mathematics, statistics, and data science. The selected candidate is expected to be the leader in identifying future areas of growth and investment while providing organizational and administrative expertise to the Department and the College. The candidate is expected to steer the growth of the department consistent with SDSU’s refreshed strategic plan titled “Pathway to Premier 2030”. The strategic plan includes a goal to elevate SDSU as a research university and pursue a pathway to achieve designation as an R1 Research University by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

It is imperative that this position maintains an understanding of current and emerging needs in mathematics, statistics, and data science to guide both research and teaching initiatives. It is the Department Head’s responsibility to lead the faculty in their efforts to provide high-quality service courses at all levels, engage with client departments to determine their course needs, monitor trends in general education and service courses, and implement high-impact teaching and learning strategies. Along with leadership, the Department Head is an advocate for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics both within and outside the University, fostering a commitment to interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration

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.

QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in mathematics, statistics, data science, or closely related field by date of application.
• A distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, and service consistent with eligibility for tenure and rank of Professor at SDSU in the Math & Stat Department. Standards documents are available upon request.
• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills including management of academic and research programs, managing complex budgets, fiscal matters, and/or personnel within an academic setting.
• Experience securing competitive grants for research from federal, industry, and/or corporate sources.
• An understanding of the land-grant mission.
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience mentoring faculty in developing strategies for pursuing external funding and in creating strong research programs.
• Experience in academic administration, including the development, evaluation and oversight of undergraduate academic programs, curricula and/or instructional operations.
• Experience interacting and cultivating relationships with businesses in the medical, insurance, and financial sectors in the region.
• Familiarity with ABET accreditation process.
• Engagement in professional organizations for mathematics & statistics (e.g., SIAM , AMS , MAA , ASA , etc.)

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

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• Where did you hear about this position?
  • LinkedIn
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  • South Dakota Department of Labor
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Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Other
• Work or Writing Sample
• Reference List

Optional Documents

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affirmative Action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. In addition, the Board of Regents fully supports incorporation of non-discrimination and Affirmative 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