4-H Program Manager – Regional Youth Educator

South Dakota State University is seeking two 4-H Program Manager – Regional Youth Educators to provide timely 4-H Youth Development research-based programming, leadership and support to empower youth and strengthen county Extension programs. These positions will support 4-H programs and staff within a multi-county region while contributing to statewide initiatives, building partnerships and engaging volunteers and stakeholders to expand opportunities for youth. Possible locations are in Brookings, Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Watertown, or Aberdeen, dependent on the successful candidate’s preference. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

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.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership and support for 4-H Youth Development programming within an assigned multi-county region to ensure delivery of high-quality youth development programming and alignment with policies and best practices.
• Provide leadership and delivery for one or more statewide 4-H Youth Development programs, initiatives, or events.
• Partner and collaborate with university colleagues, Extension staff, and stakeholders to provide accessible and regionally responsive educational opportunities.
• As part of the state 4-H staff team, contribute to development, evaluation and continuous improvement of 4-H curricula and program resources.
• Engage with county staff, stakeholders, and volunteers to expand and sustain 4-H Youth Development opportunities across the region and state.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary range for this position is $55,339 – $66,407 depending on qualifications.

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:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college in Child or Youth Development, Education, Sociology, Community Development, Human Development, or other fields relevant to Extension and 4-H Youth Development, completed prior to the first date of employment.
• Documented relevant youth development coursework and/or work experience.
• At least three years volunteer or professional experience in youth development or education.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Effective verbal communication and people skills.
• A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited university or college in Child or Youth Development, Education, Sociology, Community Development, or Human Development or related field.
• Previous 4-H Experience.
• Experience in education or government administration.
• SDSU Extension or South Dakota local government relations experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 06/08/26.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState 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, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email 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.

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Christine Wood at Christine.wood@sdstate.edu or 605-782-3290. 

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