"Assistant Director of Student Activities & Orientation"

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Assistant Director of Student Activities & Orientation

Posting Number
NFE02934P

Department
SDSU-Student Union & Activities

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

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.

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 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.

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.

Posting Date
12/22/2025

Closing Date
01/21/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Advertised Salary
The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $60,000.

Duration of the Term
12 months

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours
8-5 on weekdays as well as other hours as related to required activities and duties (e.g., Student Activities sponsored programs, Family Weekend, Meet State Welcome Weekend, Student Engagement Expo).

Appointment Type
Regular

This position requires
Travel, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License