South Dakota State University – College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences – Assoc

Associate Dean and Director of SDSU Extension

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a visionary leader to serve as Associate Dean and Director of SDSU Extension. This 12‑month, full‑time, benefits‑eligible position provides statewide leadership for SDSU Extension, guiding strategic programming, fostering responsive outreach, and ensuring public accountability. The role collaborates across the three academic colleges and oversees statewide Extension efforts, including leadership of South Dakota 4‑H. The Associate Dean reports directly to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and is located in Brookings, South Dakota.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $84 million in annual research expenditures and more than 200 academic programs. The university offers a vibrant community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees.

As the outreach arm of our state’s 1862 land‑grant institution, SDSU Extension provides farmers, ranchers, agri‑business people, communities, families and youth with research‑based information to succeed. Services range from one‑on‑one interactions and forums to 24/7 online access through extension.sdstate.edu. Extension is organized across four program areas:
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food and Families, Community Vitality, and 4‑H Youth Development.

• Lead the development and delivery of innovative, research‑based Extension programs meeting South Dakotans’ needs.
• Promote a shared vision of service and opportunity across all SDSU Extension appointments.
• Represent and advocate for SDSU Extension at local, state, and national levels.
• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, stakeholders and partners to align outreach with research and teaching.
• Oversee budget planning and resource allocation for a $20 million Extension system.
• Supervise and support SDSU Extension faculty and staff.
• Build strong relationships with community members, commodity groups and elected officials to guide statewide program priorities.

The minimum starting salary is $188,000, contingent on qualifications.

SDState offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, flexible benefits, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation leave, and tuition assistance for state‑supported courses. The retirement plan 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.

• Terminal degree (PhD, DVM, EdD, or similar) in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Education, Counseling, Human Development, Community Development, Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, Nutrition, Economics, or a related field.
• Effective administrative leadership ability.
• Personnel and fiscal management experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a land‑grant university system.
• Outreach programming experience.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days.

• Experience in academic budget preparation and management.
• Experience seeking public and private funds.
• Commitment to university‑wide outreach programming.

Position open until filled. Full consideration given to applications received by December 1, 2025.

Apply via the SDSU online employment site: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Attach a cover letter addressing how you meet the qualifications, a resume, and a reference page with contact information for three professional references. Email applications are not accepted. Contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688‑4128 for assistance.

Employment offers are contingent on credential verification, background check, and other lawful requirements. This is a tobacco‑free and drug‑free environment. The position is subject to the university’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

South Dakota State University is an affirmative action, equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and the university prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under the law. Accommodations for disabilities can be made by emailing HR.

For concerns regarding discrimination, contact the Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605‑688‑4128.