Job Description

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.

Leadership & Administration:

• 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.

Governance & Board Relations:

• 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.

Academic & Program Development:

• 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.

Financial Stewardship & Compliance:

• 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.

Community & External Relations:

• 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.

Cultural Leadership:

• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Leadership Profile:

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 change.

• A culturally grounded individual who respects and advances Lakota values and identity.

• A decisive and accountable administrator with strong organizational skills.

• A passionate advocate for Indigenous education and community empowerment.

Confidentiality:

The SGU employee agrees to maintain strict confidentiality regarding FERPA, HIPAA, and the contents of all Sinte Gleska University correspondence, student records, personnel files, and fiscal data.

Additional Information:

Sinte Gleska University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious preference, age, handicap, marital status, political preference, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization, except as allowed by the Indian preference provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

The SGU employee is responsible for ensuring that his/her personnel file is current with regard to official evidence of educational qualifications and experiences. Failure to do so prior to start of the contract year may result in not receiving compensation commensurate with claimed advancement in promotional steps.

To apply submit a completed SGU job application with a copy of your HS Diploma or equivalent, Resume, Official Transcripts, Verification of College Degree(s), Certificates, Driver License, Tribal ID or abstract. Submit completed application with attachments to the HR Department. For further information contact Vijayakumar Chebrolu, Human Resource Director @ SGU Administration Building or call 605-856-8261/email vijayakumar.chebrolu@sintegleska.edu. Applications are available on the SGU website under job opportunities. Closing date for the position is July 1, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.