Executive Director, Center for Western Studies (CWS)

Job Overview Augustana University invites applications for the position of Executive Director of theCenter for Western Studies (CWS)—a nationally recognized research center, museum, and public humanities hub dedicated to the Northern Plainsand 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 Centerwhile serving as a key liaison between the university, board, and broader community. About the Center for WesternStudies Located on Augustana's campus in Sioux Falls, the Center for Western Studies includes: A regionalresearch library and archives focused on the Northern Plains Signature public programs such as the Dakota Conference and Boe Forumon Public Affairs A mission-driven commitment to connecting academic scholarship with public understanding and communityengagement A university-affiliated book publisher of monographs and anthologies based on current research Art galleriesand museum exhibitions featuring Native American, regional, and historical works CWS plays a unique role within the universityand region, serving students, faculty, scholars, and the general public. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Define and execute a long-term vision for CWS programs, collections, and partnerships Leadstrategic planning aligned with university priorities and regional impact Serve as liaison to the CWS Board of Directors andadvisory groups Fundraising & Advancement Act as chief fundraiser, leading annual, major gift, and grantefforts Build and steward relationships with donors, members, and community stakeholders Identify new fundingopportunities to support programs, collections, and growth Operations & Administration Direct all Centeroperations, including a ~$650,000 budget Supervise staff and oversee hiring, evaluation, and development Managefacilities, collections, exhibitions, and publications Programs & Public Engagement Oversee major conferences,lectures, exhibitions, and public events Strengthen partnerships with academic departments and regional organizations Represent CWS in professional, academic, and public forums Staff Leadership Foster a collaborative, innovative,and mission-driven team culture Mentor staff, interns, and student employees Ensure effective staffing, scheduling, andperformance management Required Qualifications Ph.D. in a relevant discipline (e.g.,history, English, American studies, anthropology, museum or archives administration) Minimum of five (5) years of leadershipexperience in a museum, archives, research center, or similar organization Demonstrated record of scholarly, curatorial, orcollections-based work Preferred Qualifications Proven success in fundraising,including grants and major gifts Teaching experience in higher education Experience working with governing boards oradvisory councils Core Competencies Strategic thinking and organizationalleadership Fundraising and donor engagement expertise Strong written and verbal communication skills Financialand budget management Ability to engage diverse audiences, from academic to public communities Experience buildingpartnerships across institutions and disciplines Work Environment Primarilycampus-based in Sioux Falls, SD Regular evening and weekend commitments for events and programs Occasional physicalactivity (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 reach Shape programs that connect scholarship withpublic life Collaborate in a mission-driven, student-centered academic community Contribute to a center that blendsarchives, exhibitions, publishing, and public humanities Interacting with students, faculty and leadership with differentbackgrounds and points of view and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of thecandidate. Application Procedure The position will remain open until filled. Interested applicantsare 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 ofinterest Resume or curriculum vitae Contact information for at least three references Augustana Universityis an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may berequired to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment backgroundcheck.