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Executive Director of the SD Council on Developmental Disabilities

South Dakota State Government

Statewide, SD

Posted/Updated: Today

Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 37569
Agency: Department of Human Services
Location:Statewide within the state of South DakotaSalary: $91,260.22-$107,364.96. Annual Salary, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: M
Closing Date: 9/29/26

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Human Services. For more information on the Department of Human Services, please visit https://dhs.sd.gov/en .

About DHS:

The South Dakota Department of Human Services encompasses a broad field dedicated to offering services that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. Our programs promote independence and inclusion through person-centered services. DHS comes together with the common goal of bettering the lives of South Dakotans.

DHS strives to create an environment where people are inspired and challenged to create excellence, grow their skills, discover advancement opportunities, and are rewarded for their contributions. Join our team as we focus on helping our fellow human beings overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

Our Benefits Include:

  • 15 days/120 Hours of Vacation Leave
  • 14 days/112 Hours of Sick Leave
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Employee health insurance includes plan with a $0 premium for employee-only coverage
  • Flexible Benefits - Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Critical Illness and more
  • Paid Parental & Family Medical Leave
  • 6% Fully Matched Retirement Plan
  • Reduced Tuition for In-State Colleges/Universities
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Continued Education/Training Opportunities


This position is full-time, working 40-hours per week, and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the SD Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities' mission is to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to experience the quality of life they desire through advocacy and systems change. The Council is made up of 25 members appointed by the Governor. 60% of the members are people with IDD or family members/guardians of people with IDD. Other members include professionals from major state agencies that serve people with IDD, service providers, and advocacy groups. Public Law 106-402 (Developmental Disabilities Act) authorizes each state to establish a Council to address unmet needs of people with IDD.

Responsibilities are as follows:

  • Primary staff support to the South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities.
  • Supports the development of leadership skills and abilities of Council members.
  • Recruit, train and supervise personnel of the Council.
  • Prepares annual State plans, reports and budgets in accordance with Council directives and applicable federal requirements pertaining to the Developmental Disabilities Act.
  • Administers the overall implementation of the Council's State Plan and directs the financial management of state and federally approved budgets contained in the plan.
  • Manages approved grants and contracts awarded by the Council to agencies and organizations conducting projects and activities and providing services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Advocates for programs and policies that benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Educates and informs people with IDD and their families, providers, policymakers, and the general public regarding issues impacting the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
  • Represents the Council through attendance and participation in local and state meetings and workgroups.
  • Participates in the exchange of information among and between State Councils on Developmental Disabilities of other states, the federal Administration on Community Living (ACL), Office on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) and the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD).
  • Both in-state and out-of-state travel is required.


The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or another related field. Experience in developmental disabilities, grant/contract management, and facilitation of large groups or committees is preferred.

Knowledge of
  • South Dakota's system of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
  • the federal and state legislative and budgetary systems;
  • Person Centered Thinking and Life Course frameworks.

Skills to
  • demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • demonstrated effectiveness in working with Councils and Boards.

Abilities to
  • accomplish work plan with intermittent and minimal direction;
  • work autonomously and contribute to a team.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4V9
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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South Dakota State Government
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501