South Dakota State University Extension is offering an exciting career opportunity as an Extension Associate – Family and Community Health. We are looking for a creative and innovative professional to join us in providing strong leadership to the Growing Healthy Families & Communities initiative. This is a 12 month, full-time, benefit-eligible position. This position is located in Pierre, SD. This position is supervised by the Food and Families Program Director.

SDSU is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to and/or coordinate course offerings that address the experiences of underrepresented minorities in organizations. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position works under the direction of the Food and Families Program Director in delivering research-based information, resources, programming, and support while building relationships with stakeholder groups to support the vision of SDSU Extension.

Specific duties include:
• Develop relationships with all pertinent stakeholders and/or groups on emerging issues related to food, food production, nutrition, and physical activity.
• Recruit and utilize volunteers to enhance educational outreach.
• Organize and facilitate the day-to-day operations of the Growing Healthy Families & Communities initiative.
• Work with the state office to ensure that programs are occurring, resources are available, and data is managed.
• Project reporting on outcomes, presentations to public and stakeholders on project.
• Develop relationships that lead to direct education opportunities for other staff members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development, Nutrition, Family & Consumer Sciences Education, Entrepreneurship, Horticulture, Human Services, or other closely related field required by start date;
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated experience in leading programs that effectively involve people from different cultural and/or racial, ethnic backgrounds;
• At least one year of experience in working collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders and developing productive partnerships.
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs;
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master’s Degree in Community Development, Nutrition, Family & Consumer Sciences Education, Entrepreneurship, Horticulture, Human Services, or other closely related field;
• Working knowledge of SDSU Extension policies and organizational structures.
• Previous Extension service experience;
• Experience planning programs that deal with food production, school and community gardens, nutrition, and physical activity;
• Experience working with Native American communities;

BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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.

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, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU 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.

South Dakota State University 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.

8:00am to 5:00pm

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students.

SDSU offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of the university is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

SDSU was recognized as one of 54 institutions in the United States as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities in 2014. The university’s total research expenditures are greater than $60 million. SDSU is the state’s first High Research Activity institution as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Pierre, SD is a community of approximately 14,000 located in the geographic center of the state. The city has an excellent K-12 education system, is accessible to major medical facilities, has an active cultural and social environment, and has numerous lakes and parks within driving distance. The seat of Hughes County as well as the state capital, it is a friendly community whose tree-lined streets, historic downtown and lush green parks give way to rolling hills and steep bluffs as the county spreads east into the state’s expansive plains.

South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with SDSU prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

We are committed to diversity of community and ideas. We believe in a supportive, diverse, collaborative, and cohesive environment with a focus on access. We actively seek collaboration with individuals with differing perspectives, backgrounds, and areas of expertise.

For questions on the position, contact Lindsay Moore at 605-280-4446 or lindsay.moore@sdstate.edu.

Community Gardens