South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a visionary leader to serve as Associate Dean and Director of SDSU Extension. This key role provides statewide leadership for SDSU Extension, guiding strategic programming, fostering responsive outreach and ensuring public accountability. Housed within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the position collaborates across three academic colleges and oversees statewide Extension efforts—including leadership of South Dakota 4-H. The Associate Dean and Director reports directly to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $84 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.
As the outreach arm of our state’s 1862 land-grant institution, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension provides farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services, ranging from one-on-one interaction and forums to 24/7 online access through our website, extension.sdstate.edu. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food and Families, Community Vitality and 4-H Youth Development.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the development and delivery of innovative, research-based Extension programs that meet the needs of South Dakotans;
- Promote a shared vision of service and opportunity for all across all SDSU Extension appointments;
- Represent and advocate for SDSU Extension at local, state and national levels;
- Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, stakeholders and partners to align outreach with research and teaching;
- Oversee budget planning and resource allocation for a $20 million Extension system;
- Supervise and support SDSU Extension faculty and staff; and
- Build strong relationships with community members, commodity groups and elected officials to guide statewide program priorities.
SALARY RANGE:
The minimum starting salary for this position is $188,000. Salary is contingent upon 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Terminal degree (PhD, DVM, EdD or similar) Agriculture, Natural Resources, Education, Counseling, Human Development, Community Development, Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, Nutrition, Economics or a related field;
- Ability to provide effective administrative leadership;
- Experience in personnel and fiscal management;
- Knowledge of and minimum of 5 years experience in land-grant university systems;
- Experience in outreach programming; and
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in academic budget preparations and management;
- Experience in seeking public and private funds; and
- Commitment to university-wide outreach programming.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by December 1, 2025.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
SDSU 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, 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.
SDSU 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, Dr. Jessica Meendering, at (605) 688-5949 or [email protected].
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 access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and 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. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing
[email protected]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.
