South Dakota State University
Assistant Director of Student Activities and Orientation
South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, us, 57007
Assistant Director of Student Activities and Orientation
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a dynamic and people‑centered leader to join our team as the Assistant Director of Student Activities and Orientation. In this key role, you will lead all student outreach functions for the Office of Student Activities within the Department of Student Union & Activities, providing support and oversight to all student‑centered organizations as well as new student orientation. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12‑month, full‑time, benefits‑eligible position.
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 Student Union & Activities is housed within the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The division cultivates enrollment, student success and opportunity for all through innovative programs, intentional experiences, exceptional services, and premier facilities to enrich student development, promote wellbeing, and foster learning in a vibrant community.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise Program Advisors
Lead student outreach functions of the Office of Student Activities within the Department of Student Union and Activities, which include registered student organization (RSO) support, new RSO recognition, performance contract preparation and execution, assessment of student learning outcomes, program budget oversight, and Jacks Club Hub digital tool for RSO leaders and advisors.
Develop and lead the university required training for student organization leadership and faculty/staff advisors.
Create and execute all social media and other marketing messaging to promote services and processes to the greater campus.
Oversee and support the programmatic efforts led by the program advisors for Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL), University Programs, and University Traditions (i.e., Hobo Day [homecoming] and State‑A‑Thon [dance marathon fundraiser]).
Provide direct support to the New Student Orientation (NSO) and related programs and recruits, hires, trains, evaluates and supervises the NSO student employees.
Additional service to include, but not limited to, participation with university committees, work groups and task forces as directed by supervisor, Division or university leadership.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
A master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs Administration, College Student Personnel, or related field by start date.
Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience working in Student Affairs.
Experience supervising student or professional personnel
Ability to manage budgets and allocate resources
Ability to plan, develop, coordinate and implement university programs
Experience with student leadership development, student organizations, and event programming
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Student Activities/Student Union programming
Experience with marketing and communication efforts in a Student Activities/Student Union setting
Experience with negotiating and reviewing entertainment/artist contracts
Experience with assessment efforts related to campus student activities
Experience with developing and facilitating training programs
Application Deadline Position closes January 21, 2026.
Application Process SDState accepts applications through an on‑line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688‑4128 if you require assistance with this process.
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.
Drug & Alcohol Policy 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.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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 HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688‑4128.
For questions on the position please contact Cody Burggraff at Cody.Burggraff@sdstate.edu.
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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 Student Union & Activities is housed within the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The division cultivates enrollment, student success and opportunity for all through innovative programs, intentional experiences, exceptional services, and premier facilities to enrich student development, promote wellbeing, and foster learning in a vibrant community.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise Program Advisors
Lead student outreach functions of the Office of Student Activities within the Department of Student Union and Activities, which include registered student organization (RSO) support, new RSO recognition, performance contract preparation and execution, assessment of student learning outcomes, program budget oversight, and Jacks Club Hub digital tool for RSO leaders and advisors.
Develop and lead the university required training for student organization leadership and faculty/staff advisors.
Create and execute all social media and other marketing messaging to promote services and processes to the greater campus.
Oversee and support the programmatic efforts led by the program advisors for Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL), University Programs, and University Traditions (i.e., Hobo Day [homecoming] and State‑A‑Thon [dance marathon fundraiser]).
Provide direct support to the New Student Orientation (NSO) and related programs and recruits, hires, trains, evaluates and supervises the NSO student employees.
Additional service to include, but not limited to, participation with university committees, work groups and task forces as directed by supervisor, Division or university leadership.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
A master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs Administration, College Student Personnel, or related field by start date.
Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience working in Student Affairs.
Experience supervising student or professional personnel
Ability to manage budgets and allocate resources
Ability to plan, develop, coordinate and implement university programs
Experience with student leadership development, student organizations, and event programming
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Student Activities/Student Union programming
Experience with marketing and communication efforts in a Student Activities/Student Union setting
Experience with negotiating and reviewing entertainment/artist contracts
Experience with assessment efforts related to campus student activities
Experience with developing and facilitating training programs
Application Deadline Position closes January 21, 2026.
Application Process SDState accepts applications through an on‑line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688‑4128 if you require assistance with this process.
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.
Drug & Alcohol Policy 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.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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 HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688‑4128.
For questions on the position please contact Cody Burggraff at Cody.Burggraff@sdstate.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr