Executive Director, Center for Westen Studies (CWS)

Executive Director, Center for Western Studies (CWS)Augustana University Sioux Falls, South DakotaJob OverviewAugustana University invites applications for the position of Executive Director of the Center for Western Studies (CWS)a nationally recognized research center, museum, and public humanities hub dedicated to the Northern Plains and American West.

Founded to improve the quality of social and cultural life in the Northern Plains through research, education, and public engagement, CWS serves as a dynamic intersection of scholarship, community programming, exhibitions, and archives. (augie.edu)The Executive Director provides visionary leadership, operational oversight, and strategic advancement of the Center while serving as a key liaison between the university, board, and broader community.

About the Center for Western StudiesLocated on Augustanas campus in Sioux Falls, the Center for Western Studies includes:

A regional research library and archives focused on the Northern PlainsSignature public programs such as the Dakota Conference and Boe Forum on Public AffairsA mission-driven commitment to connecting academic scholarship with public understanding and community engagementA university-affiliated book publisher of monographs and anthologies based on current researchArt galleries and museum exhibitions featuring Native American, regional, and historical worksCWS plays a unique role within the university and region, serving students, faculty, scholars, and the general public.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDefine and execute a long-term vision for CWS programs, collections, and partnershipsLead strategic planning aligned with university priorities and regional impactServe as liaison to the CWS Board of Directors and advisory groupsFundraising & AdvancementAct as chief fundraiser, leading annual, major gift, and grant effortsBuild and steward relationships with donors, members, and community stakeholdersIdentify new funding opportunities to support programs, collections, and growthOperations & AdministrationDirect all Center operations, including a ~$650,000 budgetSupervise staff and oversee hiring, evaluation, and developmentManage facilities, collections, exhibitions, and publicationsPrograms & Public EngagementOversee major conferences, lectures, exhibitions, and public eventsStrengthen partnerships with academic departments and regional organizationsRepresent CWS in professional, academic, and public forumsStaff LeadershipFoster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven team cultureMentor staff, interns, and student employeesEnsure effective staffing, scheduling, and performance managementRequired QualificationsPh.D. in a relevant discipline (e.g., history, English, American studies, anthropology, museum or archives administration)Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in a museum, archives, research center, or similar organizationDemonstrated record of scholarly, curatorial, or collections-based workPreferred QualificationsProven success in fundraising, including grants and major giftsTeaching experience in higher educationExperience working with governing boards or advisory councilsCore CompetenciesStrategic thinking and organizational leadershipFundraising and donor engagement expertiseStrong written and verbal communication skillsFinancial and budget managementAbility to engage diverse audiences, from academic to public communitiesExperience building partnerships across institutions and disciplinesWork EnvironmentPrimarily campus-based in Sioux Falls, SDRegular evening and weekend commitments for events and programsOccasional physical activity (e.g., exhibit setup, lifting up to 50 lbs)Why Join Augustana University?

Lead a high-impact cultural and research center with regional and national reachShape programs that connect scholarship with public lifeCollaborate in a mission-driven, student-centered academic communityContribute to a center that blends archives, exhibitions, publishing, and public humanitiesInteracting with students, faculty and leadership with different backgrounds and points of view and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of the candidate.

Application ProcedureThe position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit the below application materials via our Career Center Portal. If assistance is needed during the application process, please reach out to humanresources@augie.edu.

Letter of interestResume or curriculum vitaeContact information for at least three referencesAugustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.