"Community Vitality Extension Field Specialist I"

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is looking for our next Community Vitality Extension Field Specialist I to lead in creating strong connections with community members and leaders. This role will provide a blend of educational outreach, technical assistance, and community coaching to connect communities with current community development research, various skill building opportunities, curricula, and applicable community-based outreach practices. As an Extension Community Vitality Field Specialist I, you will work towards building an understanding of what the community is interested in learning and then helping them act based on those interests. This position is located in Lemmon, South Dakota and 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: The Community Vitality Field Specialist will provide a blend of educational outreach, technical assistance, and community coaching activities to connect communities with current community development research, various skill building opportunities, curricula, and applicable community-based outreach practices.

BENEFITS: South Dakota State University 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. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree in Community Development, Sociology, Education, or other closely related field by start date; Documented experience in community development practice; Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational and community development programs; Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programing; Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs; Effective written and verbal communication skills; and Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated leadership in developing and leading learning communities; Demonstrated leadership and teamwork with stakeholders; Experience working with entrepreneurs; Demonstrated experience in leading programs that effectively involve people from different cultural, racial, and/or ethnic backgrounds; Experience working with and delivering training in teams; Experience in group facilitation; Demonstrated experience in publishing Extension materials and peer reviewed journals; Conduct impact programming based on asset assessments.