Extension Field Specialist III - Youth Engagement and Leadership

Posting Details

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Extension Field Specialist III - Youth Engagement and Leadership

Posting Number
NFE
03099P

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.

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.

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 universitys guidelines.

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 with in 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.

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