Institution: South Dakota Mines
Posting Number: NFE02985P
Department: SDSMT-Career Center
Physical Location of Position (City): Rapid City
Posting Text
Position Overview:
South Dakota Mines has an opening for the Director of Career Services. This position is a part of the Division of Student Success Leadership Team and works in the Devereaux Library, the hub of student activity on campus, with collaborations with the heads of the academic departments, industry connections, Office of Industry Engagement, and Office of Professional Development. The Director will be responsible for strategically developing the collaborative capabilities of Career Services, with an emphasis on developing, sustaining, and strengthening relationships with business and industry partners, while ensuring that these efforts are woven into the operational fabric of Career Services. This includes developing and implementing strategic planning for Career Services to identify and address target needs for students, alumni, and industry partners. The Director will utilize creative strategies and data to target marginalized and underserved student populations and to weave a system of holistic student support into the culture of Career Services.
This person will be accountable for: department management to include supervision, budgets and pertinent data collection, analysis and distribution; overseeing coop, internship and career and/or graduate/professional school advising, preparation and placement services to include a career fair each semester and on-campus interviews; working with the Office of Industry Engagement to ensure that industry partnerships are fostered on campus; collaborating with the Office of Professional Education to facilitate Industry Insight programs, short-course style programs designed to provide undergraduate and graduate students at South Dakota Mines with information and insight into a given industry; fundraising collaborations with the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement, department heads, and campus officials in identifying potential corporate sponsors and in strengthening existing relationships; and collaborations with local economic development officials to support initiatives to recruit new employers to locate in Rapid City.
This is an 11-month position and will be 100% effort from June 22 to May 21. This position will be off contract from May 22 to June 21.
Qualifications
Candidate requirements include a master’s degree (or in progress) in student personnel, management, higher education, counseling, business, or related field, and demonstrated knowledge of current career-related trends, issues and best practices.
The successful candidate will have strong technical knowledge and skills related to career counseling/placement, an understanding of STEM fields as they relate to employment, good planning, organizational, administrative, and supervisory skills, strong written and oral communication, and the ability to work with a diverse set of audiences.
To Apply:
Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203 or [email protected]. The review of applications will begin March 9, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Please attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference).
Open Until Filled: Yes
First Consideration Date: 03/09/2026
Advertised Salary: $67,543 – $76,877 dependent on education and experience
Duration of the Term: 11 months
If Other, describe duration
This position will be off contract from May 22 to June 21.
Appointment Type: Regular
This position requires
Travel, Weekends/Holidays
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Renowned for hands-on learning and pioneering research, Mines educates future leaders in STEM fields who will make a meaningful impact on the world. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success.
Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on the Mines campus. The university is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and boasts a strong return on investment for its graduates. With an average class size of 24 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Mines is committed to delivering an education that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
At Mines, student life is vibrant and welcoming, offering more than 80 clubs and organizations that foster a sense of community and provide leadership opportunities. Co-curricular activities, such as internships, cooperative education opportunities, and professional development programs, ensure that students gain practical, hands-on experience in their fields while enhancing their academic learning. Students can explore their passions outside the classroom, from competitive athletics, music programs, and intramural sports to professional societies, competitive engineering teams, and cultural clubs.
South Dakota Mines faculty, staff, and students drive groundbreaking research across five main areas: advanced materials and manufacturing, deep underground science and engineering, critical and sustainable resources, smart and resilient cyber-infrastructure, and data science and numerical modeling. This research advances technology and innovation and offers students hands-on opportunities to address real-world challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in their careers and beyond. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, South Dakota Mines provides programming that empowers students and faculty to transform scientific and technological innovations into viable products and startups.
Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state’s second-largest city, with an MSA population of over 158,000. The city sees an average of 226 days of sunshine annually and is surrounded by many things to see and do. The region has roughly 1.2 million acres of breathtaking scenery in the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails, nearly 500 miles of hiking trails as well as top attractions like historic Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.
Source ⇲
