Black Hills State University invites applications for the position of Executive Director, BHSU Rapid City with an anticipated start of July 2025. Nestled in the beautiful Black Hills of Spearfish, South Dakota, BHSU seeks a transformational leader who is passionate about the mission of the university and is committed to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and student success. BHSU-Rapid City is an outreach campus of BHSU-Spearfish and is located off of exit 61 in Rapid City. BHSU-RC offers collaborative programs from both BHSU and SDSU.
Position Overview:
The Executive Director is responsible to provide leadership, vision, strategic direction, and administrative oversight of all operations at Black Hills State University – Rapid City (BHSU-RC) including academic programs, administrative functions, student services, and community engagement. This role requires a visionary who can foster a collaborative environment with university partners, drive strategic initiatives focusing on enrollment and student success, and ensure the success and growth of BHSU-RC.
This position will report to the BHSU President and is responsible for managing the memorandum of understanding between BHSU and SDSU for operations at BHSU-RC.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop key partnerships with local and regional stakeholders (e.g.: business/industry partnerships, school districts, regional universities, community colleges, and the Board of Regents.)
* Work collaboratively with other senior administrators to advance the universities’ strategic priorities, including recruitment, marketing, enrollment, and retention.
* Work closely with BHSU and SDSU administrations in furthering the mission, vision, and goals of BHSU-Rapid City.
* Follow through with the BHSU strategic enrollment plan goals for BHSU-RC and provide continuous improvement to the plan.
* Chair the Advisory Council for BHSU-RC which provides oversight and accountability for the Memorandum of Understanding between BHSU and SDSU.
* Inform and advise the administration of current trends in workforce needs that may lead to policy and procedural changes.
* Demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach to increasing enrollment and community/regional partnerships by being thoroughly connected and engaged with the students at BHSU-RC and their academic needs as well as with the community of Rapid City including surrounding areas and their workforce and economic development needs.
* Maintain effective internal and external relationships within BHSU-RC, BHSU, SDSU, and EAFB.
* Supervise administrative staff to ensure duties and tasks are completed effectively and efficiently.
* Work with the BHSU Facilities Services to provide coordination of facility management including custodial, maintenance, grounds, security, and fleet needs.
* Ensure operations meet the practices, procedures and policy requirements of BHSU, SDBOR, and the State of SD.
* Review/analyze fiscal reports on a monthly basis to remain in alignment with the approved budget.
* Prepare regular budget reports for the Advisory Council, South Dakota Legislative Joint Appropriations Committee, the Government Operations & Audit Committee, and the South Dakota Board of Regents as requested. Present the information to the same as requested.
* Develop and maintain effective relationships with community and regional policymakers, leaders, and organizations.
* Represent BHSU-RC at community and regional events. Join service clubs in Rapid City. Present at community functions to get the word out about BHSU-Rapid City.
* Collaborate with the BHSU Marketing and Communications Office to develop marketing strategies and recruitment materials for BHSU-RC as a whole in addition to specific programs.
Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing or related field.
* Master’s preferred.
* At least 5 years of related experience.
* Proven record of successful leadership.
* Strong understanding of the current landscape of higher education, including trends in research, teaching, and learning.
* A strong record of developing new academic programs and partnerships to meet regional workforce needs.
* Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
* Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships.
* Experience managing budgets and leading strategic initiatives.
* Proven ability to develop and build strong, collaborative relationships across a wide range of constituencies, including faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance the goals of the university.
* Experience with facilities planning, instructional technology, fundraising, grant-writing, and scholarship/research.
* A record of team building and leading through consensus to achieve institutional goals.
* Ability to organize, lead, and accomplish major, complex projects.
TO APPLY:
Candidates must submit their applications at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and the names and contact information for five professional references. This position will remain open until filled with a first review date of May 11 2025, at 11PM mountain time. The anticipated start for this position will be July 2025. For application assistance, please contact Human Resources at 605.642.6545. Questions specific to the position may be directed to John Allred or Pam Carriveau, search co-chairs, at john.allred@bhsu.edu or pam.carriveau@bhsu.edu.
Black Hills State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black Hills State University and the Board of Regents ensures that all employment practices are free of discrimination. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Cassie Maser at 605-642-6545 or Cassie.Maser@bhsu.edu. Employment is dependent upon a satisfactory background check.