Associate Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students

Student Development

The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (South Dakota Mines) seeks applications for the Associate Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students (AVPSD/DoS). This position reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) and is a member of the University Executive Council and Cabinet. The AVPSD/DoS also serves as the institutional representative to the state-wide Student Affairs Council for the South Dakota Board of Regents.

The AVPSD/DoS develops, manages, supervises, and directs student services programs in alignment with the university mission, vision, and goals. These programs are designed to retain students and engage them in the development of personal qualities and skills to enhance professional and personal success in a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment. Responsibility areas include: community standards/conduct; counseling; health services (contracted through a medical provider); inclusion; international students; residence life; scholarship coaching; student engagement and activities; student center; student development; and veteran student services. Student involvement/engagement activities include academic professional and honor societies, CAMP (Center for Advanced Multidisciplinary Projects, fraternities/sororities, intercollegiate athletics/club and e-sports, leadership/professional development, military science, multicultural, religious, and special interest groups.

The AVPSD/DoS provides direct assistance to students who have concerns/grievances and students who are experiencing personal circumstances; frequently attends and presents at student centered events/activities; advises the campus community, including the President, on student matters; assists with developing and conducting student-centered research as well as policy development/review; provides advising and mentorship to recognized student organizations including the Student Association Senate; and coordinates parent/family programs.

As a member of the Academic Affairs team, the AVPSD/DoS collaborates with others emphasizing student recruitment, retention/success, and development. This position also partners with Finance and Administration to achieve fiscal integrity; Facilities and Risk Management for health and safety concerns; Marketing and Communications to achieve maximum recognition for the university; Athletics for optimal student wellness/engagement; the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement (CARA) for maximum alumni development and fundraising support; Human Resources for personnel management; and Research Affairs for student experiences and employment opportunities.

South Dakota Mines is seeking an individual with demonstrated leadership and management skills, collaborative working style, excellent written and verbal interpersonal skills, and a commitment to inclusion. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership and student development experience in higher education, the ability to lead a team committed to promoting a living/learning environment, be a strong advocate for students and articulate a robust vision for the importance of student life. An earned master’s degree is required; however, a doctorate is preferred. Anticipated appointment date is June 22, 2021.

Established in 1885, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is one of the nation’s leading engineering, science and technology universities located in Rapid City, South Dakota. For prospective college students who are serious about their future, passionate about STEM and eager to solve society’s most pressing problems, South Dakota Mines delivers a best-in-class education at an affordable price, with a supportive and collaborative campus community that prepares graduates to become in-demand leaders in today’s fastest-growing industries.

Known for our academic rigor, we maintain an average class size of 24 and our students benefit from immersive learning experiences including undergraduate research, co-ops/internships, and numerous nationally competitive engineering teams. Our Research Programs are concentrated in four areas: energy and environment; materials and manufacturing; STEM education; and underground science and engineering.

South Dakota Mines is a growing university that enrolls around 2,500 students from 45 states and 40 countries and is ranked as the best engineering school for return on investment out of 319 similar institutions across the United States. The placement rate for recent Mines graduates is 96 percent.

Rapid City is the state's second largest city (with an urban population of 77,503 and metropolitan population of 148,749) and is nestled at the foot of the beautiful Black Hills. Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and Crazy Horse Memorial are all within an hour of the University. Rapid City enjoys a relatively mild climate and offers year-round recreational opportunities, including, hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and hunting, to name a few. For more information about South Dakota Mines and Rapid City, visit: http://sdsmt.edu/The-Rushmore-Region/.

South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Individuals interested in this position must apply online at http://www.sdsmt.edu/employment. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203. Review of applications will begin January 25, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

South Dakota Mines does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment or the provision of service.