Executive Director – State Bar of South Dakota

The State Bar of South Dakota is the statewide professional organization representing approximately 2,700 attorneys. Established under South Dakota law, the State Bar serves both the legal profession and the public. The State Bar is governed by a Bar Commission elected by the member-attorneys and works in partnership with the South Dakota Supreme Court, the Unified Judicial System, the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, the South Dakota Bar Foundation, Access to Justice, Inc.,

and other legal organizations.

The State Bar promotes professional responsibility, strengthens the legal profession, and supports the fair administration of justice. Through education, advocacy, and member services, the State Bar advances lawyer competence and well-being, improves access to justice, and provides a unified voice for the profession.

This is an exceptional opportunity to have a role in shaping the future of South Dakota's legal profession.

The Executive Director will have general charge and control of day-to-day State Bar affairs subject to Bar Commission and State Bar Officer direction and Supreme Court rule. The Executive Director serves as the State Bar's chief administrative officer who oversees a broad portfolio of operational, financial, and administrative responsibilities while implementing the Bar Commission's strategic direction and advancing the mission of the State Bar.

This position combines strategic leadership with operational excellence. In addition to directing the day-to-day operations, the Executive Director manages a multi-million-dollar budget, manages staff in the State Bar's office, and oversees the administration of affiliated organizations, programs, and contractual partnerships. Success requires balancing long-term vision with sound management while simultaneously building strong relationships with volunteer leaders, the judiciary, attorneys, legislators, and community partners.

The duties of the Executive Director are detailed in the State Bar's By-Laws (found in the Appendix to SDCL Chapter 16-17), they generally include the following;

• Direct the day-to-day operations of the State Bar.
• Recruit, hire, train, direct, supervise, and evaluate State Bar staff, while fostering a collaborative, high-performing workplace.
• Develop organizational policies, procedures, and administrative systems that promote operational success.
• Oversee technology, communications, facilities, and operational systems that support members and volunteers.
• Serve as Executive Director for affiliated entities, including S.D. Continuing Legal Education, Inc., Access to Justice, Inc., the South Dakota Bar Foundation, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers and supervise the State Bar's administrative support of the affiliated agencies.
• In-state travel required as necessary to fulfill duties as well as intermittent out-of-state travel.

• Advise and support the Bar Commission in establishing organizational priorities, policies, and long-term goals.
• Lead implementation of the State Bar's Strategic Plan and provide vision for the future direction of the organization. Identify emerging issues affecting the legal profession and develop proactive strategies that strengthen the practice of law in South Dakota.
• Foster innovation, while preserving the traditions and values of the legal profession.
• Promote initiatives that improve access to justice, lawyer well-being, professionalism, and public confidence in the legal system.

• Serve as the primary advisor to the Bar Commission and support the work of committees, sections, and volunteer leaders.
• Prepare agendas, reports, recommendations, and supporting materials for…