Student Success Coordinator

Position Overview:

South Dakota Mines is searching for a Student Success Coordinator to be part of the Student Success Center administrative team. This is a regular full-time, benefited position. This position acts as a professional advisor to first year students within the university’s tandem advising model as well as other high-risk populations, and serves as a liaison between students, faculty, and staff. This position will also serve as the program coordinator for the First Year Peer Mentor program, a cornerstone of first year student success at South Dakota Mines and an integral part of the student experience. In addition to these programs, the Coordinator will have a special emphasis on other underserved student populations, and will coordinate the First Year Experience, a shared curriculum of important experiences first year students need to integrate fully into academic culture. The Student Success Coordinator works directly with students, faculty, and Vanderboom Office of Student Success staff to help first-year and high-risk students succeed.

The Student Success Coordinator will interact primarily with staff members in Student Success, faculty, other support staff in the university, and students. This position will play an important liaison role between Academic Affairs, Admissions, individual academic departments, students, and the wide array of academic and non-academic student support services on campus, to identify and connect with students in need of advising and resources. The Coordinator will become an expert and serve in a crucial role in the university’s retention software system, Navigate 360. Expectations are that this person will excel in the areas of interpersonal communication and enjoy extensive interactions with others, particularly incoming and current students. The Student Success Coordinator will support, expand, and help track the impact of techniques for first-year student support services in conjunction with and support of efforts undertaken by the university. The culture is one of service to and for students.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree is required. A master’s degree is preferred, along with five years of progressive mentorship and/or advising experience in an education setting.

Salary: $50,308 - $55,688 dependent on education and experience

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203 or hr@sdsmt.edu. The review of applications will begin February 25, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Please attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference).

Campus Information:

Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Renowned for hands-on learning and pioneering research, Mines educates future leaders in STEM fields who will make a meaningful impact on the world. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success.

Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on the Mines campus. The university is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and boasts a strong return on investment for its graduates. With an average class size of 24 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Mines is committed to delivering an education that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their chosen fields.

At Mines, student life is vibrant and welcoming, offering more than 80 clubs and organizations that foster a sense of community and provide leadership opportunities. Co-curricular activities, such as internships, cooperative education opportunities, and professional development programs, ensure that students gain practical, hands-on experience in their fields while enhancing their academic learning. Students can explore their passions outside the classroom, from competitive athletics, music programs, and intramural sports to professional societies, competitive engineering teams, and cultural clubs. 

South Dakota Mines faculty, staff, and students drive groundbreaking research across five main areas: advanced materials and manufacturing, deep underground science and engineering, critical and sustainable resources, smart and resilient cyber-infrastructure, and data science and numerical modeling. This research advances technology and innovation and offers students hands-on opportunities to address real-world challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in their careers and beyond. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, South Dakota Mines provides programming that empowers students and faculty to transform scientific and technological innovations into viable products and startups.

Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state's second-largest city, with an MSA population of over 158,000. The city sees an average of 226 days of sunshine annually and is surrounded by many things to see and do. The region has roughly 1.2 million acres of breathtaking scenery in the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails, nearly 500 miles of hiking trails as well as top attractions like historic Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.