Department Head of Mathematics and Statistics

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, invites applications for the Department Head and Professor position in the Mathematics and Statistics Department. The successful candidate will lead strategic growth, promote the land‑grant mission, and advance teaching, research and graduate programs while pursuing SDSU’s Pathway to Premier 2030 and the goal of R1 designation.

January 2027 start. The role reports to the Dean of the Jerome J.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mathematics, statistics, data science, or closely related field by date of application.
• Evidence of leadership and administrative skills including management of academic and research programs and budgets.
• Experience securing competitive grants from federal, industry, or corporate sources.
• Understanding of the land-grant mission.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead with the Dean and College leadership to promote the land-grant mission and strategic agenda.
• Identify growth areas and provide administrative expertise to Department and College.
• Align growth with Pathway to Premier 2030 and pursue R1 designation.
• Guide research and teaching initiatives and oversee curricula and service courses.
• Advocate for the department internally and externally and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Grant writing

Communication

Budget management

Education

Ph.D. in mathematics, statistics, data science, or closely related field

Job description

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.

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. 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. Two of the tenured faculty serve as Assistant Department Head and Graduate Coordinator.

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

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’sgrand 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.)

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Position is open until filled with a full consideration date of September 7, 2026.

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 Sanjeev Kumar 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].