Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Vice President for Research and Economic Development

Posting Number
NFE03147P

Department
SDSU-Division of Research & Econ Dvlp

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

Reporting directly to the President and serving on the university's executive leadership team, the VPRED serves as the Chief Research Officer. The VPRED oversees all sponsored programs, research integrity, regulatory compliance, technology transfer, and economic development partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity to continue to build on the current momentum, leading SDState's efforts to expand its research enterprise while driving the economic vitality of South Dakota and the region. SDState seeks an innovative leader with vision and strong leadership skills, who establishes collaborative relationships, fosters an environment in which faculty and stakeholders are engaged partners and communicates consistently and effectively.

The position's anticipated start date is January 4, 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to increase external funding, research, and creative activities across all disciplines;
• Develop and execute the university research strategic plan and agenda to include setting and implementing the vision for research and creative activities, aiming for growth in research expenditures (e.g., aiming to attain R1 status and high-level research funding);
• Provide effective engagement with federal legislative and administrative entities by representing SDSU in relationship building with South Dakota's Congressional delegation and leading SDSU engagement with federal agencies;
• Identify and promote research competitiveness by supporting faculty in securing external funding and managing internal funding opportunities;
• Support faculty in securing grants and contracts through the Office of Sponsored Programs, as well as through collaboration with the University Research Council;
• Establish partnerships and engage with state, regional and national partners, including industry leaders, businesses, state and federal government officials, and national policymakers to strengthen economic development and research funding;
• Lead and facilitate university relationship development with the private sector, both at organizational level and at the expertise level;
• Manage the full life cycle of intellectual property (IP), from invention disclosure to patenting, licensing, and collaboration with the Office of General Counsel;
• Lead and assure university intellectual property identification, protection and management; and
• Oversee the Division of Research and Economic Development, including recruiting, supervising, coaching and evaluating personnel;
• Lead research compliance and safety by ensuring adherence to policies regarding research integrity, including IRB, IACUC, and export controls; and
• Manage research space and ensure compliance with safety and research integrity regulations.

Benefits

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned terminal degree and evidence of scholarly, professional, or creative achievement sufficient to qualify for tenure as a full professor at South Dakota State University;
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive, executive-level leadership experience managing a complex research enterprise within higher education, government, or industry;
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of successful leadership with a knowledge of, appreciation for and commitment to the philosophy and programs of a land-grant institution;
• Ability to develop and implement a bold vision for the future of research and economic development;
• A nimble strategist with a proven record of envisioning, developing and sustaining innovative programs that foster excellence and increased research across the fabric of the university;
• An effective collaborator and consensus builder who can communicate with multiple constituencies and enable partnerships with other colleges and universities, government agencies, stakeholders, and corporations;
• Capacity to identify, recruit and retain a strong staff;
• Demonstrated experience overseeing large, complex budgets, fiscal matters, strategic planning and personnel management; and
• Collaborative communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and the proven ability to advocate effectively with university leadership, industry, federal agencies, and other key partners.

Application Process

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

Posting Date
07/21/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
08/18/2026

Advertised Salary
The starting salary for this position is $194,619, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
Yes

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact Search Committee Chair, Provost Dennis Hedge at Dennis.Hedge@sdstate.edu or 605-688-5042.