Advisor – Student Success

If you have a passion for helping students succeed, South Dakota State University has an opportunity for you. The Office of International Student and Scholar Engagement is looking for a Student Success Advisor who will provide support to students with an emphasis on the international student population, maintain compliance with university, state, & federal guidelines pertaining to international students’ status, and serve as a success specialist and initiate and implement educational programs to assist with the retention of international students. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position and is located in Brookings, SD.

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.

International Student and Scholar Engagement is a comprehensive home for international student and scholar services. All services and activities are intended to help enrich the experience of international students here at SDSU and to expand global engagement for all students, faculty and staff. The office is part of the Student Engagement Center, which supports student success by fostering connection and community, removing barriers, and promoting academic, personal, and professional growth. The center brings together departments with shared goals to strengthen collaboration and elevate service to students, including Veterans Services and Engagement, the American Indian Student Center, International Student and Scholar Engagement, the Office of Student Accessibility, and Student Connection and Engagement.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position provides services to potential and current international students and their family members including preliminary immigration advice through education on the federal government naturalization and immigration regulations, keeping students in compliance with university, state, & federal guidelines as well as initiating and implementing educational and social programs including advising student organizations.

In addition, this position requires the ability to assume Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) status for SDSU’s U.S. Department of State approved J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and Designated School Official (DSO) status for the F-1 student program. Pursuant to 22 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part A §62.2, ARO Status requires U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residence status. DSO Status also requires U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residence status, per Department of Homeland Security regulations.

SALARY: The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $51,063.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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. 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. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree with a minimum of one (1) year of professional experience with international education by start date.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Ability or potential to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with faculty, staff and students.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work as a contributing team member.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and experience with university policies pertaining to international students and federal laws affecting international students coming to the U.S.
• Knowledge of college student activity programs, program assessment, and retention initiatives.
• An understanding of current trends in higher education impacting student success.
• Knowledge of the development of peer mentoring.
• Ability to apply student development theory as well as interpret and implement policy.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes June 21, 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” 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.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact Kirsten Linke at Kirsten.Linke@sdstate.edu.