About the Organization

The State Bar of South Dakota is the statewide professional organization representing approximately 2,700 attorneys. Established under South Dakota law, the State Bar serves both the legal profession and the public. The State Bar is governed by a Bar Commission elected by the member-attorneys and works in partnership with the South Dakota Supreme Court, the Unified Judicial System, the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, the South Dakota Bar Foundation, Access to Justice, Inc., and other legal organizations.

The State Bar promotes professional responsibility, strengthens the legal profession, and supports the fair administration of justice. Through education, advocacy, and member services, the State Bar advances lawyer competence and well-being, improves access to justice, and provides a unified voice for the profession.

The Opportunity

This is an exceptional opportunity to have a role in shaping the future of South Dakota's legal profession.

The Executive Director will have general charge and control of day-to-day State Bar affairs subject to Bar Commission and State Bar Officer direction and Supreme Court rule. The Executive Director serves as the State Bar’s chief administrative officer who oversees a broad portfolio of operational, financial, and administrative responsibilities while implementing the Bar Commission's strategic direction and advancing the mission of the State Bar.

This position combines strategic leadership with operational excellence. In addition to directing the day-to-day operations, the Executive Director manages a multi-million-dollar budget, manages staff in the State Bar’s office, and oversees the administration of affiliated organizations, programs, and contractual partnerships. Success requires balancing long-term vision with sound management while simultaneously building strong relationships with volunteer leaders, the judiciary, attorneys, legislators, and community partners.

Primary Responsibilities

The duties of the Executive Director are detailed in the State Bar’s By-Laws (found in the Appendix to SDCL Chapter 16-17), they generally include the following;

              Organizational Leadership

• Direct the day-to-day operations of the State Bar.
• Recruit, hire, train, direct, supervise, and evaluate State Bar staff, while fostering a collaborative, high-performing workplace.
• Develop organizational policies, procedures, and administrative systems that promote operational success.
• Oversee technology, communications, facilities, and operational systems that support members and volunteers.
• Serve as Executive Director for affiliated entities, including S.D. Continuing Legal Education, Inc., Access to Justice, Inc., the South Dakota Bar Foundation, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers and supervise the State Bar’s administrative support of the affiliated agencies.
• In-state travel required as necessary to fulfill duties as well as intermittent out-of-state travel.

Strategic Leadership

• Advise and support the Bar Commission in establishing organizational priorities, policies, and long-term goals.
• Lead implementation of the State Bar’s Strategic Plan and provide vision for the future direction of the organization. Identify emerging issues affecting the legal profession and develop proactive strategies that strengthen the practice of law in South Dakota.
• Foster innovation, while preserving the traditions and values of the legal profession.
• Promote initiatives that improve access to justice, lawyer well-being, professionalism, and public confidence in the legal system.

       Governance and Member Services

• Serve as the primary advisor to the Bar Commission and support the work of committees, sections, and volunteer leaders.
• Prepare agendas, reports, recommendations, and supporting materials for the Bar Commission and affiliated agencies.
• Ensure effective communication between State Bar leadership, staff, committees, sections, and members.
• Oversee annual meetings, continuing legal education, member services, publications, and other State Bar programs.
• Work to strengthen member engagement and communicate the value of participation in the State Bar.

Government Relations and External Affairs

• Serve as the State Bar’s principal representative with the South Dakota Supreme Court, Unified Judicial System, Legislature, executive agencies, legal organizations, and numerous other organizations.
• Monitor legislation and public policy affecting the legal profession and administration of justice.
• Coordinate legislative priorities as directed by the Bar Commission.
• Maintain and support collaborative relationships with judges, attorneys, legislators, educators, community leaders, and national organizations.
• Represent the State Bar at local, state, and national meetings.

Financial Stewardship

• Serve as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Bar Commission. This is an ex officio role without voting authority.
• Prepare and administer the annual budget.
• Oversee the State Bar, its affiliates, and State Bar administered programs’ finances, audits, investments, contracts, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Safeguard the assets of the State Bar and ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the State Bar and otherwise ensure its long-term financial health through sound fiscal management and strategic investment.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and admission to practice law preferred.
  • Alternatively, a minimum of a master’s degree in business administration, communications, public relations, public administration, or a related field and a minimum of five years of work experience focused on organizational management, financial oversight, non-profit management, business, or membership services.  
• Strong financial and operational management skills.
• Demonstrated executive leadership and ability to successfully manage people, projects, and processes.
• Experience in budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational management.
• Experience working with governing boards and volunteer leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with legal profession, legislative, governmental, and/or public policy processes.

Location

The principal office of the State Bar is located in Pierre, South Dakota. As such, a strong preference will be given to candidates who reside in, or are willing to relocate to, Pierre. Candidates residing elsewhere in South Dakota may also be considered, however, the candidate would be required to maintain a regular presence in Pierre in order to effectively lead the organization, particularly during legislative session.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is a salary in the range of $140,000 to $180,000, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive employee benefits package, including health insurance.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter to the State Bar of South Dakota and your resume/Curriculum Vitae by e-mail to jburke@tb3law.com.  Applications will be held in strict confidence; references provided will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of the candidate.  The deadline to apply is October 15, 2026.