Manager, Student Experiences - Statewide

Junior Achievement of South Dakota; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Benefits

Job summary

Junior Achievement of South Dakota is seeking a Manager, Student Experiences - Statewide to lead volunteer recruitment and community engagement across the state. The role supports classroom volunteers, coordinates events, and builds partnerships with schools and community partners to deliver JA programs.

The ideal candidate will have project management experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Strong written/oral, organizational, interpersonal and presentation skills; detail oriented; knowledge of CRM software; and the ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with JA stakeholders including JA Champions, community leaders, school district administrators, volunteers, and educators.
• Represent JA at community events by networking, presenting, and engaging at functions such as chamber meetings, service clubs, and corporate gatherings.
• Proactively engage businesses and organizations to identify and secure new volunteer partnerships.
• Coordinate volunteer recruitment, curriculum distribution, and volunteer recognition efforts.
• Ensure delivery of high‑quality JA experiences aligned with district plans and manage classroom registrations.

Skills

Volunteer recruitment

Community engagement

Project management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Manager, Student Experiences - Statewide

JA Office: Junior Achievement of South Dakota

Reports To: Vice President – Student Impact

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This position works with communities across South Dakota to advance the mission and impact of Junior Achievement. As part of a collaborative team environment, this role develops and supports volunteer resources that help deliver Junior Achievement's integrated education solutions, which combine academic instruction, real-world application, and community collaboration to create meaningful learning experiences for students. This role is a great fit for candidates with project management and community engagement experience who are willing to travel throughout the state. This is a full‑time position with competitive wages and benefits. The ideal candidate is professional, innovative, flexible, and enthusiastic, with a passion for helping transform education and preparing young people for success through engaging learning experiences that connect classroom learning to future careers, financial capability, and entrepreneurial thinking.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Volunteer Recruitment and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key JA stakeholders, including JA Champions, community leaders, school district administrators, volunteers, and educators.
• Represent JA at community events by networking, presenting, and engaging at functions such as chamber meetings, service clubs, and corporate gatherings.
• Proactively engage businesses and organizations to identify and secure new volunteer partnerships.
• Communicate with prospective and referred volunteers to match them with the most suitable JA experience, offering the full JA menu.
• Serve as a liaison to JA Champions, supporting volunteer recruitment, curriculum distribution, and volunteer recognition efforts.

Traditional Learning Experiences (Leads K–12 in areas across South Dakota.)

• Ensure delivery of high‑quality JA experiences aligned with each district’s strategic plan.
• Coordinate event logistics and facilitation for JA Excellence through Ethics.
• Assign classroom volunteers and complete classroom registration processes.
• Secure Volunteer Conduct Standards, confirm visit dates, and verify class completion.
• Provide volunteers and educators with comprehensive training and relevant resources (tips, videos, etc.).
• Distribute evaluations to gather feedback from volunteers, educators, and students; follow up as needed.
• Recognize volunteers, educators, and administrators through meaningful appreciation initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with JA USA program implementation standards.
• Develop and implement processes to keep stakeholders informed of program progress, activities, and successes.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry in CRM software.
• Volunteer in classrooms as needed to meet K–12 impact goals.

Experiential Learning Simulations

• Obtain school logistics to coordinate positive experiential learning simulations for students, teachers and volunteers. Gain and apply knowledge and understanding of simulation operations, software and equipment.
• Interact with students to support them during the simulation experience.
• Help with the set‑up and breakdown of the mobile simulation unit at respective host sites, including onsite technology (iPads, Wi‑Fi hotspots, etc.) and other logistics.
• Steward corporate and individual sponsors during simulations.
• Requires travel within the state, including overnight stays for implementation and execution of simulations. Approximately 10 nights on the road during the 2026‑27 school year, with additional travel expected in the future. Must be comfortable lifting 50lbs and driving a cargo van.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

Accountability

• Accepts responsibility for delivering on assigned goals and deliverables.
• Maintains composure in difficult situations and can shift quickly to objective, problem‑solving behaviors in order to deliver results.
• Avoids excuses and blame‑shifting.

Junior Achievement Teamwork

• Operates in a collaborative environment - Contributes to meeting team deadlines and engages effectively with others to achieve goals.
• Advocates for the entire organization, including helping to recruit volunteers and teaching JA programs when needed.
• Maintains an approachable demeanor to encourage positive working relationships and promote effective communication.
• Demonstrates a willingness to pitch in to help team members succeed (even in areas outside their role).
• Interacts well with many types of personalities and handles difficult interactions without escalating tension.
• Models appropriate work/life balance behavior and supports colleagues in their pursuit of balance.

Active Engagement

• Participates in projects, tasks, meetings and workplace interactions with positive enthusiasm.
• Demonstrates an obvious energy in performing the role.

Growth & Improvement

• Actively seeks opportunities to increase industry knowledge and become a subject matter expert in the field.
• Willing to accept stretch goals and challenging projects to gain valuable experience and continuously develop as a professional.

Integrity & Trust

• Earns the trust and confidence of coworkers and constituents through honest communication, ethical behavior and professionalism in all interactions.
• Admits mistakes, does not misrepresent self or information, and keeps confidences.
• Is dependable and known to be someone who will do what is promised.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Strong written/oral, organizational, interpersonal and presentation skills; detail oriented; knowledge of CRM software; and the ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

In addition to the above requirements, candidate must:

• Uphold and uplift JA’s five core values: Collaboration, Generosity, Optimism, Relevance, and Respect.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.
• Carry out the essential functions of the position with, or without, accommodation.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of cultural and ethnic diversity of constituents, staff, and community partners.

The above position description is not all-inclusive and is not an implied contract of duties performed. It is a general overview of position responsibilities. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at‑will" relationship.