Job Description

Posting Details
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Institution South Dakota State University
Working Title Director of Graduate and International Admissions
Posting Number NFE02888P
Department SDSU-Admissions
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
Posting Text
Make an impact on the future of South Dakota State University as the Director of Graduate and International Admissions. In this role, you will lead recruitment, admissions, and enrollment efforts for domestic graduate and international graduate and undergraduate students, helping the university achieve its enrollment goals and fulfill its strategic mission. The Director serves as a key member of the Enrollment Management team, reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, and works closely with faculty, staff, and academic departments to develop and implement effective enrollment strategies. This position is located in and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
Enrollment Management at SDSU serves as the primary gateway for prospective students facilitating a smooth and transparent application and enrollment process. The unit engages in active recruitment and outreach efforts while collaborating closely with academic departments, financial aid and other administrative units to ensure a seamless experience for prospective and admitted students.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead graduate and international student recruitment, admissions, and enrollment strategies to achieve university goals.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with academic departments, faculty, and campus offices to enhance enrollment outcomes.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop and implement effective recruitment and communication strategies.
• Analyze enrollment data, trends, and outcomes to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Provide leadership and supervision to the Graduate and International Admissions team, including budget oversight.
• Oversee domestic and international recruitment travel and ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulations.
• Serve as a campus-wide liaison to support student success and advance enrollment initiatives.

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 from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful professional experience and progressive responsibility in college admissions, public relations, recruitment settings, or other related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience and/or leading collaborative teams.
• Superior written, oral and interpersonal communication skills; and
• Valid driver's license and Valid US Passport, or ability to obtain both within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience integrating relevant technology and best practices into the recruitment or business processes.
• Effective use of data when making decisions and assessing effectiveness of programs and/or services.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative working relationships with internal and external groups.
• Professional experience related to international affairs or international recruitment/admissions at a University.
• Established international recruitment contacts and/or background;
• Understanding of the higher education recruitment market in South Dakota and the region.
• Ability to organize and prioritize projects and initiatives in order to maximize resources and create efficiencies.
• Strategic planning, communications planning, and/or marketing experience.
• Working knowledge of effective budget management and program development and management.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor employees to meet and exceed performance goals.
• Experience working in a customer service-related role with the ability to handle multiple inquiries and resolve complex problems.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: , 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 10/28/2025
Closing Date 11/23/2025
Open Until Filled No
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience, starting at $80,000.
Duration of the Term 12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Work Hours
Typically 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, some weekends and evenings as necessary
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Faculty Status No
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License, Other
If other, please indicate Valid US Passport; International Travel
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
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 for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
Equal Employment 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 . 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.
Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Toby Uecker at .

Skills Required