President

The South Dakota Board of Regents invites nominations and applications for the position of President of South Dakota Mines (SDM). Located in Rapid City, SD, SDM seeks a leader who is passionate about higher education, advancing STEM education, and generating economic development for the Rapid City community, state, and region. Under the oversight of the South Dakota Board of Regents Governing Board and Executive Director, the President is responsible for managing all university operations and ensuring they align with the mission of the South Dakota Mines.

South Dakota Mines’ purpose has always been to educate scientists and engineers who address global challenges through research-based discoveries and push the boundaries of human knowledge to create a better future. Located between the beautiful Black Hills and Badlands of western South Dakota, SDM is a hub for the high-tech ecosystem thriving in this area alongside the Sanford Underground Research Facility and Ellsworth Air Force Base. The university’s local, regional, and national collaborations support a thriving economy in South Dakota and beyond.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES, EXPERIENCES, AND CHARACTERISTICS:

• A strategic and forward-thinking visionary with an ability to bring people together to move the university forward.
• Ability to effectively build relationships with students, faculty, staff, community leaders, industry partners and policymakers.
• An outstanding communicator and listener willing to embrace the values, traditions, and culture of the university, Rapid City community, and state of South Dakota.
• Ability to build and foster relationships with the City of Rapid City and its partner organizations to drive economic development and provide opportunities for students and graduates.
• A committed and inspiring leader who empowers others and optimizes the efficiency of a skilled and dedicated leadership team, faculty, and staff.
• A student-centered leader who will enrich the student experience, foster a culture of innovation and opportunity, be committed to student success, and support the needs of STEM students.
• Ability to advance the university’s expanding research agenda and promote a forward-thinking culture through collaboration with stakeholders.
• A commitment to excellence in teaching and ensuring that academic programs meet industry and workforce needs.
• A skilled fundraiser with experience in cultivating relationships, developing partnerships, and building a positive culture of philanthropy and community engagement.
• Ability to “Tell the Story” of SDM and be a champion for the university and its role in the community, state, and region.
• A high level of understanding of fiscal issues affecting institutions of higher education, in particular, an astute knowledge of public university finances and state-level budgeting and appropriations.
• Knowledge of key issues and trends impacting public higher education and the willingness to be a change agent who can proactively address challenges.
• An earned doctorate, or advanced terminal degree, and/or significant executive leadership experience that would earn the respect of the academic community is required. A graduate degree combined with significant experience may be accepted.
• Candidates should demonstrate significant, successful leadership experience in a complex organizational setting.

Nominations and applications will be accepted until an appointment is made within the practical limits of the process as finalists are identified. For full consideration, candidates should submit materials by September 22, 2024.
All application materials should be submitted electronically to sdminespresident@sdbor.edu and must include:

1. A letter of interest;
2. A current résumé or curriculum vitae; and,
3. The names of five or more professional references with each person’s position, office or home address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers.

Applications will remain confidential except for those invited for campus interviews.

Please visit Presidential Search (sdsmt.edu) for the leadership profile and more information about this leadership opportunity.