Director - Talent Search

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Dakota seeks a full-time 11-month Director to lead the TRIO Talent Search program in Sioux Falls, SD. The Director will guide program operations to help students graduate high school and enroll in postsecondary education, adhering to federal guidelines.

The role includes hiring and supervising staff, building school partnerships, managing direct student services, and coordinating recruitment and reporting activities with grant stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, school counseling, or a related field is required.
• Valid driver’s license

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight to the TRIO Talent Search program in Sioux Falls.
• Hire, train, and supervise TRIO Talent Search staff.
• Develop and facilitate cooperative relationships with target school personnel and parent/guardians of prospective and current program participants.
• Oversee direct services provided to TRIO Talent Search participants in classroom settings, small group meetings, and/or individual visits; including activities designed to help students graduate from high school and enroll in postsecondary education.
• Develop and execute plan to recruit participants, meet program objectives, and report progress as outlined by federal guidelines.
• Maintain a record keeping system including student files to document student assistance and all professional activity.
• Oversee annual budget, communicate with various grant stakeholders, and write and submit proposals as needed

Skills

Excellent oral and written comms

Independent working

Knowledge of secondary/postsecondary教育

Relate to middle/high school & postsec

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education/social services/school counseling/related field

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Logo Institution The University of South Dakota

Working Title Director – Talent Search

Posting Number NFE03203P Department USD-Talent Search Physical Location of Position (City) Sioux Falls

The University of South Dakota TRIO Educational Talent Search program has an immediate opening for a full-time11-month Director to lead their team in Sioux Falls, SD. The TRIO Educational Talent Search Program assists students in grades 6-12 in the identification, preparation, and attainment of their educational goals. Program objectives include supporting participants in graduating from high school in four years and enrolling in postsecondary education the following fall.

The TRIO Talent Search Director Will

• Provide oversight to the TRIO Talent Search program in Sioux Falls
• Hire, train, and supervise TRIO Talent Search staff
• Develop and facilitate cooperative relationships with target school personnel and parent/guardians of prospective and current program participants
• Oversee direct services provided to TRIO Talent Search participants in classroom settings, small group meetings, and/or individual visits; including activities designed to help students graduate from high school and enroll in postsecondary education
• Develop and execute plan to recruit participants, meet program objectives, and report progress as outlined by federal guidelines
• Maintain a record keeping system including student files to document student assistance and all professional activity.
• Oversee annual budget, communicate with various grant stakeholders, and write and submit proposals as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, school counseling, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of students from varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working with USD Talent Search Team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of secondary and postsecondary education requirements.
• The ability to relate to middle school, high school, and postsecondary students.
• Exceptional organizational abilities.

Positions are grant funded with continued employment contingent on availability of funds.

Posting Date 09/21/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 09/29/2026 Advertised Salary commensurate with qualifications, plus benefits Duration of the Term 11 months If Other, describe duration n/a Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Valid Drivers License If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Talent Search – Educational Talent Search is a federally-funded program that encourages students to graduate from high school and enroll in post-secondary education.

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.