Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist - Civic Engagement & Public History

Job Details

South Dakota State University (SDState) seeks an energetic, community-engaged scholar to serve as an Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Specialist in Civic Engagement and Public History. This innovative position bridges university teaching, Extension outreach, and museum education to advance civic learning, historical literacy, and community vitality across South Dakota.

The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment between the School of American & Global Studies and SDSU Extension, working collaboratively with the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. This role coordinates the statewide National History Day (NHD) program, delivers community-based civic education programming, teaches undergraduate courses in history and museum studies, and conducts applied scholarship on civic engagement and cultural heritage.

This position is 9-month, full-time, benefits-eligible and located in Brookings, SD.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Extension & Outreach

National History Day Program Coordination

• Administer South Dakota’s statewide National History Day (NHD) program, serving middle and high school students across the state
• Develop and deliver professional development workshops for educators, librarians, and community volunteers
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, libraries, museums, and historical societies statewide
• Recruit and train judges, volunteers, and regional coordinators
• Assess program outcomes and prepare reports for stakeholders

Community Vitality & Civic Education Programming

• Design and implement community-based civic education initiatives that promote historical literacy and informed civic engagement
• Collaborate with Extension specialists in 4-H Youth Development, Community Vitality, and related fields to integrate civic learning into existing programming

Museum-Based Education & Public Engagement

• Supervise undergraduate student projects, internships, and assistantships related to museum education and public history
• Coordinate with museum staff on exhibitions, public programs, and collection-based research

Scholarship & Professional Development

• Conduct applied research on civic education, museum pedagogy, public history, and community engagement
• Disseminate findings through appropriate scholarly and professional outlets

Teaching & Service

• Teach two to three courses annually in history, public history, museum studies, or related fields
• Contribute to curriculum development for emerging programs in public history and museum studies
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in History, Museum Studies, Public History, American Studies, or closely related field by start date
• College-level teaching experience
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience with National History Day or similar project-based learning programs
• Experience with community-engaged scholarship and public-facing education
• Experience working in or with museums, archives, historical societies, or cultural heritage organizations
• Grant writing and external funding experience
• Familiarity with Extension education models and land-grant mission