Executive Director
Dakota Plains Legal Services
Location: 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 Directors
About 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 Summary
The 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 Responsibilities
Strategic & Organizational Leadership
Develop and implement a clear, forward-looking vision for the organization’s legal, advocacy, and operational work
Lead organizational rebuilding, including systems, policies, and culture
Work closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance and long-term sustainability
Litigation & Legal Advocacy
Reinvigorate and oversee the organization’s litigation strategy, including impact litigation where appropriate
Ensure high-quality legal services across practice areas
Stay informed of legal developments affecting tribal nations and rural communities
Fundraising & External Relations
Lead fundraising efforts, including grant writing, foundation relationships, and government funding
Cultivate relationships with tribal governments, community partners, funders, and allied organizations
Serve as the public face of the organization in the legal and broader community
Staff Leadership & Development
Recruit, train, mentor, and retain a small, dedicated legal and support staff
Foster a collaborative, supportive, and trauma-informed workplace
Supervise senior staff and manage performance and professional development
Operations & Administration
Oversee finances, budgeting, and compliance with grant and funding requirements
Ensure ethical, effective, and fiscally responsible operations
Balance limited resources while maintaining mission focus
Qualifications
Required
J.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 fields
Demonstrated leadership experience, including staff supervision
Experience with or strong aptitude for fundraising and grant development
Commitment to serving Native American communities and underserved populations
Ability to work effectively with tribal governments and diverse stakeholders
Preferred
Experience working in or with tribal nations or Indian Country
Litigation experience, including impact or complex litigation
Executive or senior management experience in a nonprofit organization
Cultural competence and humility in cross-cultural settings
Work Environment & Location Considerations
Primary 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 travel
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive within nonprofit legal aid but constrained by current funding
Benefits include:
No relocation assistance currently available
How to Apply
Please 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.
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