Executive Director

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:

  • 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 available

How to Apply

Please submit:

1. A resume

2. 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.