President, Management

Position Summary

The President serves as the chief executive officer of the University and is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and advancement of the institution.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all academic, administrative, and operational functions of the University.
• Supervise senior leadership, faculty, and staff; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional excellence.
• Delegate authority as appropriate while maintaining institutional alignment and effectiveness.
• Lead institutional accreditation efforts and ensure compliance with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), including development of assessment and program review systems.

• Serve as the principal advisor to the Board of Regents on all institutional matters, including academic, financial, and operational policy.
• Collaborate with the Board in the selection and evaluation of senior leadership, including Vice Presidents.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures to support effective governance and institutional integrity.
• Provide regular, transparent reports to the Board on institutional performance and fiscal health.

• Lead the development and implementation of academic programs aligned with community needs and institutional mission.
• Ensure academic quality, integrity, and relevance across all programs.
• Strengthening partnerships with tribal, regional, and national organizations to expand educational opportunities.

• Oversee the financial health of the institution, including budgeting, resource allocation, and fiscal accountability.
• Work in partnership with the Chief Financial Officer to prepare and present annual audits.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, tribal, and accrediting body requirements.
• Oversee timely and accurate reporting to granting agencies and regulatory entities.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council, including annual reporting in accordance with the Tribal Education Code.
• Act as a visible and engaged leader within the community, strengthening trust and collaboration.
• Represent the University in national and international forums, advancing Indigenous higher education initiatives.
• Serve as a bridge between the University and the Sicangu Oyate, maintaining accountability to both the Board of Regents and the community.

• Lead through Wolakota, ensuring that all institutional decisions reflect relational accountability, cultural integrity, and responsibility to the Sicangu Oyate.
• Support and advance Lakota language revitalization and culturally grounded education.
• Ensure that institutional practices reflect and honor Lakota values, traditions, and knowledge systems.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Tribal Colleges and Universities and American Indian/Alaska Native higher education systems.
• Minimum of five (5) years of senior-level administrative experience in higher education or a related field.
• Master s degree required; earned doctorate (PhD or equivalent) preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of accreditation processes and institutional compliance.
• Proven experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and audits.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with fundraising, grant development, and governmental relations.
• Commitment to data-informed decision-making and institutional effectiveness.
• Ability and willingness to travel as a representative of the University.

• Knowledge of or fluency in Lakota, Dakota, or Nakata language.
• Demonstrated understanding and embodiment of Wolakota principles.
• Experience working with tribal governments and Native communities.

The ideal candidate will be:

• A collaborative and transparent leader who builds trust across all levels of the institution.
• A strategic thinker capable of guiding the University through growth and…