"Assistant to the Dean"

Job Details

Join a dynamic team driving innovation in the sciences! The College of Natural Sciences at South Dakota State University is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented professional to serve as Assistant to the Dean. This key role provides high-level support to the Dean and plays a central part in driving strategic initiatives, coordinating special projects, and enhancing organizational effectiveness across the college. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a collaborative, forward-thinking academic environment focused on innovation and impact. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

The College of Natural Sciences was established in 2018 through the strategic realignment of four departments at South Dakota State University. This structure strengthens student support and elevates the visibility of research and academic programs. Faculty in the college lead cutting-edge research in areas such as cancer treatment, bioproduct development, energy storage, and emergency planning—offering undergraduate and graduate students meaningful, hands-on experiences that drive real-world impact. Graduates pursue careers as educators, scientists, healthcare professionals, and policy leaders. Nationally ranked for program value, research funding, and specialized expertise, the college is focused on continued growth in scholarship, outreach, and improving quality of life.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coordinate, and implement special projects and policy initiatives on behalf of the Dean.
• Conduct research and analysis to support decision-making; prepare reports, summaries, and recommendations.
• Draft and develop a variety of documents, including policies, procedures, presentations, and operational materials.
• Manage incoming communication and information requests; prepare responses and materials as directed.
• Stay informed of the Dean’s priorities and proactively coordinate related activities, meetings, and follow-up.
• Be familiar with University policies and maintain strict confidentiality and discretion.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure strategic priorities are met and daily operations run efficiently.
• Serve as a liaison or representative of the Dean as requested.
• Support organizational effectiveness by advising staff, promoting communication, and ensuring office coverage.
• Attend meetings and committees as assigned; communicate key information to the Dean.
• Gather content from departments, faculty, and student leaders and lead the design and development of newsletters, reports, and digital platforms.
• Maintain a college-wide calendar and coordinate events in collaboration with the Dean and leadership team, including logistics, scheduling, communications, and execution.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree completed by start date.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively in a face-paced environment.
• Positive and constructive attitude with the ability to work effectively as a member of a team, taking independent initiative and proper accountability.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, interpret and synthesize complex information from various sources to identify actionable recommendations.
• Capable of providing superior service and the ability to work with a wide range of constituents with diplomacy; and
• A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire and a willingness to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with event coordination and management
• Experience creating and implementing standard operating procedures as well as maintaining procedural documentation
• Experience with content management, organization and publishing tools such as Canva/Adobe
• Advanced proficiency with DocuSign (templates, Powerform, etc.) and MS Excel (perform data analysis, pivot tables and charts, create macros, etc.).

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 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.