Skip to main content

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE
SOUTH DAKOTA HUMANITIES COUNCIL

South Dakota Humanities Council is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, or disability.

Opportunity

The South Dakota Humanities Council (SDHC) seeks a full-time onsite Executive Director to oversee all aspects of institutional operations, communications, advocacy, advancement, and long-term strategic planning.  Established in 1972, SDHC has grown to become a diversely funded state humanities council known for literary arts programs, including the annual South Dakota Festival of Books.  SDHC is a non-profit governed by an 18-member board; its mission is to celebrate literature, promote civil conversation, and tell the stories that define our state.  A trailblazer in the field of humanities, SDHC uses engaging  programming to tell South Dakota’s stories in innovative, dynamic, and inclusive ways to a diverse audience.

The Executive Director of the SDHC is a strong and confident leader with the ability to articulate the mission of the SDHC and inspire a vision that generates results.  The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative officer for the SDHC and is responsible for staff performance, annual planning, financial management, marketing, federal relationships, and community and liaison relations. 

The Executive Director serves as the hiring official for the staff, enforcing policies set by the board, and is directly accountable to the Chair and Executive Committee of the SDHC.

Key Priorities

  • Advocate for an ongoing, compelling humanities vision for South Dakota by determining short and long-term goals and priorities.
  • Facilitate a strong financial base to support humanities programming, operations, and endowment goals. Lead  fundraising and institutional advocacy including budget oversight and planning.
  • Develop and monitor administrative procedures and processes that meet the standard of good business practice and audit requirements for organization-wide collaboration.
  • Work with Development to create consistent language across channels including the website, social media, email communications, proposals, annual reports, press releases, etc.
  • Design and implement evaluation instruments to measure the need for and impact of grants and programs.
  • Mentor, inspire, and facilitate a harmonious work environment.
  • Empower board members to become ambassadors, advocates, and askers.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ability to articulate an appreciation for South Dakota communities and cultures.
  • Ability to articulate an appreciation for humanities.
  • Demonstrated experience with managing nonprofit boards and organizations.
  • Demonstrated administrative and supervisory experience.
  • Five years in a leadership role with success in developing organizations; managing programs, projects and people; generating revenue and establishing government relations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with development, marketing, and public relations.
  • Master’s or Doctoral degree in a field related to the humanities.
  • MBA with an undergraduate credential in the humanities

Compensation

  • $90,000 – $110,000 DOE and education
  • Health, dental and vision
  • 403b retirement plan
  • Paid annual and sick leave

TO APPLY:

Please send cover letter and resume to apply@sdhumanities.org by February 28, 2024.