Extension Field Specialist III - Youth Engagement and Leadership

Extension Field Specialist III - Youth Engagement and Leadership South Dakota State University, United States about 6 hours ago

Location:

Watertown, SOUTH DAKOTA

Deadline:

18 Jun 2026 Posting Details Posting Details Logo Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Extension Field Specialist III - Youth Engagement and Leadership Posting Number

NFE03099P

Department

SDSU-4-H

Programs Physical Location of Position (City) Watertown Posting Text This position plays a key role in advancing youth development across South Dakota by guiding strategic direction, strengthening statewide partnerships, and supporting the continued growth of SDSU Extension and 4‑H programs. The role contributes to building vibrant, research‑informed opportunities that benefit communities and the statewide youth development system. This position is located in Watertown , South Dakota. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position provides statewide leadership in designing, implementing, and evaluating high‑quality youth development programs within SDSU Extension and South Dakota 4‑H. The role centers on elevating youth voice, strengthening leadership development, and fostering meaningful youth-adult partnerships across the state. The successful candidate will build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, schools, agencies, and local stakeholders while delivering research‑based resources, programming, and support through learning communities. This position plays a key role in advancing the mission and vision of SDSU Extension by connecting youth, families, and partners with impactful educational opportunities.

BENEFITS

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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. 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. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM

QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in Youth Development, Agricultural Education, Extension Education, Education, Human Development and Family Studies, Community Development, or a closely related field. Demonstrated knowledge of positive youth development (PYD) frameworks, including youth voice, leadership development, and adult-youth partnership models. Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in youth programming, Extension, 4-H, or a related educational or community-based setting. Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating youth development programs using evidence-based practices. Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including schools, community organizations, agencies, and volunteers. Strong facilitation, training, and coaching skills, particularly with adult volunteers and youth leaders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate research into practical application. Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and work both independently and collaboratively within a statewide team structure. Commitment to the mission and values of SDSU Extension and 4-H Youth Development. Valid driver's license and ability to travel statewide, including occasional evenings and weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Doctoral degree in a related field. Experience within the Cooperative Extension System or 4-H Youth Development programs. Demonstrated success in securing grants, managing budgets, or leading funded initiatives. Experience developing curricula, training materials, or statewide program initiatives. Familiarity with risk management, volunteer development, and youth safety policies within youth-serving organizations.

APPLICATION PROCESS

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To , visit: yourfuture.sdbor , search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on " 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, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState 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. SDState 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. Posting Date 06/11/2026 Closing Date 06/18/2026 Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date Advertised Salary The starting salary for this position is $61,786. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search Internal If internal, define scope of search SDSU Extension This position requires Travel, Valid Drivers License If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations SDState is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. SDSU Extension 4‑H is a community that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4‑H through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps. We recognize that the youth of today are our future leaders and what they learn and experience in 4-H will help them develop into contributing citizens who will give back to their communities in the future. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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 equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HRsdstate . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007.

Phone:

(605) 688-4128. Contact Information For questions on the position, contact Rosie Nold at rosemarie.noldsdstate .