4H Youth Program Advisor (Haakon and Jackson Counties)

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and South Dakota 4-H is offering an exciting career opportunity as a 4-H Youth Program Advisor for both Haakon and Jackson Counties. This is a hands-on lead teaching position for education and youth development professionals.  The position will be located in Phillip and Kadoka, SD at each respective county’s Extension Office. We are looking for a creative and innovative professional with an interest in non-formal education. The selected individual will develop and teach educational programs both in school and out-of-school settings, manage volunteers, work with local stakeholders, and more. This is a 12-month, 100%-time, benefit-eligible position. This position is supervised by the State 4-H Program Director.  South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access. Must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Sponsorship is not available for this position. RESPONSIBILITIES:Serve as the 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Haakon and Jackson Counties, providing 4-H program and policy supervision as well as direct education in support of outreach goals;Manage local 4-H operational elements identified as priorities in accordance with all policies and procedures administered by SDSU Extension and South Dakota 4-H; Develop and deliver educational programs in the programming priority areas of leadership skills, life skills, social skills, and workforce development; Periodically conduct needs assessments and/or research to identify community needs and then develop programs to address identified needs; Establish working relationships and coalitions with other youth-serving groups to ensure maximum opportunities for youth; Conduct in-school enrichment programs with local schools in the county; Provide leadership for volunteer management, including identification, orientation, training, recognition, and evaluation of both youth and adult volunteers;Maintain an effective and efficient communication network with County Commissioners, other County officials, 4-H Youth Program Advisors, Extension Field Specialists, the public, and other stakeholders; Support the mission, vision, and philosophy of South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension, and South Dakota 4-H while adhering to all policies and procedures; Provide educational and curricular support to statewide 4-H programs as assigned; Position does require some evening and weekend work and travel.  Occasional overnight stays for events and training are required;All other duties as assigned.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s Degree in Child, Youth, or Human Development, Education, or other related fields with relevant youth development experience and course work completed by first day of employment; Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal communication skillsExcellent written communication skills; Demonstrated organizational and time management skills; Ability to work as a contributing member of a team;Demonstrated experience in planning, teaching, and evaluating educational programs for a variety of youth audiences;Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;Must be able to use a computer for basic word processing, electronic communications, and reporting; and Valid driver’s license and automobile, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Previous 4-H or similar youth development experience;Demonstrated ability to manage local 4-H operational elements including event management, budget, volunteer and support staff supervision, and committee coordination; Demonstrated ability to lead volunteer groups and committees and to work with other youth-serving groups/coalitions to maximize opportunities for youth; Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals or grants to support new and/or enhanced programming;Experience in publishing extension materials and/or curricula. 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. APPLICATION PROCESS: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, an academic transcript showing the degree conferred or degree in progress, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.  Email applications will not be accepted.  Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.   Any offer of employment is conditioned upon 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 university policy 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.