South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is looking for a motivated leader with a passion and drive to make a difference in the State of South Dakota as a Community Vitality Program Director. The program director position provides innovative leadership in the creation and implementation of a collective vision for Community Vitality programs within SDSU Extension. This position can be located in one of our regional centers located in Brookings, Pierre, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension provides farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services, ranging from one-on-one interaction and forums to 24/7 online access through our website, extension.sdstate.edu. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality, and 4-H Youth Development.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Community Vitality Program Director will be responsible for providing statewide administrative leadership and coordination for high impact, issue-based holistic Extension programs that address the development and capacity building needs of communities across the state. This position will be responsible for providing guidance to research-based program development; program implementation and evaluation; creating and supporting a scholarly environment; and external relationship building and partnership development. The Community Vitality Program Director will determine and implement fiscal policies that support the development of financial resources for the Community Vitality program and will be responsible for oversight of the unit’s budget. The Community Vitality Program Director will also be responsible for delivering research-based programs at the community level.

SALARY RANGE:

The base salary for this position is $75,700. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Community Development, Family & Consumer Sciences Education, Sociology, Human Services, Non-profit Management, Entrepreneurship, Education, Community Planning, or other closely related field required.
• At least five years of community development/engagement experience.
• Experience leading, managing, and supervising people.
• Successful experience in designing, implementing, teaching, and evaluating community-based outreach education programs.
• Demonstrated experience in the administration of programs and budgets/fiscal resources.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An earned Ph.D. in Community Development, FCS Education, Sociology, Human Sciences, Non-profit Management, Entrepreneurship, Education, Community Planning, or related fields;
• Extension experience;
• Experience developing and maintaining effective partnerships and serving as a skilled liaison between and among groups;
• Demonstrated abilities in successful negotiation, collaboration, conflict resolution and relationship building; and
• Successful experience working with teams.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by 04/19/2024.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Michelle Tjeerdsma at [email protected] or by phone at 605-782-3290.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [email protected]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $75,700.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Brookings, SD: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person