Description

School of Counseling, Human Development, and Family Science

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking an engaged, innovative, and visionary individual to serve as Professor and Director for the School of Counseling and Human Development and Family Science. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is a 12-month, tenure track, full-time, benefits-eligible position. 

The School of Counseling, Human Development and Family Science (CHDFS) comprises of an undergraduate program in Human Development and Family Science and graduate programs in Counseling and Human Sciences – Human Development and Family Sciences. The Counseling programs are accredited by CACREP. The School of CHDFS is housed within the College of Education and Human Sciences. The Director provides administrative oversight for all the broad units and entities within the CHDFS, and shall direct financial resources to expand SDSU’s enrollment research/scholarship and community engagement/outreach to lead SDSU’s initiatives across South Dakota. 

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. 

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director for the School of Counseling and Human Development and Family Science at SDSU will be an experienced and enthusiastic leader who will have the following responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership to the School.
• Advocate for the program with an intentional focus on expanding the reach of mental health service and training in South Dakota.
• Oversee budget, facilities, personnel, and curriculum.
• Guide complex decision making in a university setting.
• Maintain ongoing collaborative and positive relationships with local, regional, and state mental health facilities and stakeholders related to academic programs within the School.
• Support program evaluation and maintain accreditation (e.g., CACREP).
• Participate in building and sustaining community and stakeholder relationships that benefit the School.
• Advance excellence in research and engage in collaborative initiatives to meet the university’s research/scholarship goals.
• May teach college-level courses and/or supervise candidates based on enrollment needs.
• Actively engage in professional organizations at the local, state, and national level.
• Recruit, retain and advise students.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Terminal Degree (Ph.D., or Ed.D.) in one of the fields represented within the School Counseling and Human Development and Family Science, or a closely related field.
• Nationally recognized scholarship and/or professional activities. 
• Demonstrated commitment to student success.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Accreditation experience.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position, must be authorized to work in the U.S.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful track record in accreditation and assessment involving accreditors such as CACREP.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with the community and mental health partners.
• Evidence of successfully advancing academic programs through university and institutional processes.
• Successful college teaching experience, particularly with teacher and/or counselor candidates.
• Evidence of scholarship. 
• Experience engaging with donors, alumni, and other stakeholders.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  
Position closes 10/19/2026.

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, curriculum vitae, 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.