Executive Director

Executive DirectorLocation: 160 2nd St., Mission, South Dakota, 57555 on the Rosebud Reservation, with limited remote flexibility Status: Full-time, Exempt Salary: Commensurate with experience; limited by nonprofit funding Reports to: Board of DirectorsAbout the Organization Dakota Plains Legal Services ("DPLS") is a unique and historic nonprofit legal aid program providing civil legal services to members of nine Native American tribes, as well as non-tribal community members, in western South Dakota. For decades, the organization has played a critical role in advancing justice in Indian Country and rural communities through litigation, advocacy, and direct legal services. Like many long-standing institutions, the organization is at an inflection point. After years of underinvestment, it now seeks a visionary, hands-on Executive Director to rebuild capacity, reinvigorate litigation and advocacy strategies, strengthen relationships with tribal nations, and lead the organization into its next chapter of impact and sustainability.Our primary funder is the Legal Services Corporation ("LSC"), a federally chartered non-profit, from which we receive about $2,000,000 in federal funding.Position SummaryThe Executive Director will serve as the chief executive and legal leader of the organization, responsible for strategic direction, fundraising, litigation vision, staff leadership, and external relationships. This is a rebuilding and transformation role, suited for a leader who is entrepreneurial, resilient, and deeply committed to access to justice in underserved and tribal communities. The main office is located in Mission, SD on the Rosebud reservation with limited nearby housing and services. Candidates should carefully consider the geographic and logistical realities of the position.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Organizational LeadershipDevelop and implement a clear, forward-looking vision for the organization's legal, advocacy, and operational workLead organizational rebuilding, including systems, policies, and cultureWork closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance and long-term sustainabilityLitigation & Legal AdvocacyReinvigorate and oversee the organization's litigation strategy, including impact litigation where appropriateEnsure high-quality legal services across practice areasStay informed of legal developments affecting tribal nations and rural communitiesFundraising & External RelationsLead fundraising efforts, including grant writing, foundation relationships, and government fundingCultivate relationships with tribal governments, community partners, funders, and allied organizationsServe as the public face of the organization in the legal and broader communityStaff Leadership & DevelopmentRecruit, train, mentor, and retain a small, dedicated legal and support staffFoster a collaborative, supportive, and trauma-informed workplaceSupervise senior staff and manage performance and professional developmentOperations & AdministrationOversee finances, budgeting, and compliance with grant and funding requirementsEnsure ethical, effective, and fiscally responsible operationsBalance limited resources while maintaining mission focusQualifications RequiredJ.D. and active license (or eligibility to become licensed) in South Dakota. South Dakota has reciprocity with many states.Significant experience in legal aid, public interest law, tribal law, or closely related fieldsDemonstrated leadership experience, including staff supervisionExperience with or strong aptitude for fundraising and grant developmentCommitment to serving Native American communities and underserved populationsAbility to work effectively with tribal governments and diverse stakeholdersPreferredExperience working in or with tribal nations or Indian CountryLitigation experience, including impact or complex litigationExecutive or senior management experience in a nonprofit organizationCultural competence and humility in cross-cultural settingsWork Environment & Location ConsiderationsPrimary office is located on a reservation in a rural area Limited housing options near the office; relocation may be challenging Some remote or hybrid work may be possible, but regular on-site presence is required Position may involve travel within the service area and occasional out-of-area travelCompensation & BenefitsSalary is competitive within nonprofit legal aid but constrained by current funding Benefits include: Employer-paid employee coverage for medical, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, term life, and AD&D insurance. Vision insurance is also available 401(k) with employer matching Earn 6 weeks of paid time off each year No relocation assistance currently availableHow to ApplyPlease submit: A resume A cover letter describing your interest in the position, relevant experience, and vision for leading a rebuilding legal aid organization serving tribal communities Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.