Program Manager - 4-H Livestock

South Dakota State University; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Tuition benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking a Program Manager - 4-H Livestock to oversee statewide events and curricula development in partnership with Extension and campus experts. This 12-month, full-time role focuses on livestock programming, stakeholder engagement, and operational logistics across South Dakota.

The successful candidate will lead education initiatives, manage programs, and ensure compliance with university policies while fostering youth leadership through 4-H projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or closely related field by the date of application.
• 3+ years of experience with 4-H or youth livestock programs.
• Experience leading and teaching groups.
• Ability to develop grants and/or cost recovery mechanisms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage state-wide events and activities related to 4-H livestock.
• Collaborate with Extension, campus and partners to develop curricula.
• Coordinate logistics for events and programs.
• Support planning, delivery and improvement of livestock opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Grant writing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or Agriculture

Tools

MS Word

Internet navigation

Social media

Email

Job description

South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking a Program Manager - 4-H Livestock. This position will manage state-wide events and activities related to 4-H livestock/animal projects and activities and assist with development and delivery of animal-related curriculum in collaboration with Extension, campus, and expert partners. This position is located in Brookings. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

SDState is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 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. SDSU Extension 4 H is a community that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4 H through in-school and after-school programs, school, and community clubs and 4 H camps. We recognize that the youth of today are our future leaders and what they learn and experience in 4-H will help them develop into contributing citizens who will give back to their communities in the future.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Manager, 4-H Livestock works collaboratively with SDSU Extension and South Dakota 4-H colleagues to support state livestock programming, including event management, educational development, stakeholder engagement, and logistical coordination. In partnership with other program managers, field specialists and educators, this position contributes to the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of livestock project opportunities and activities across the state. The Program Manager supports the SDSU Extension and 4-H mission, strategic vision and planning assumptions, complies with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and all University policies, including Affine… and commits to the inclusion of varied South Dakotan's.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, or closely related field by the date of application.
• More than 3 years of experience with 4-H or other youth livestock programs.
• Experience leading and teaching groups.
• Experience managing conflict and bringing divergent opinions toward consensus.
• Ability to develop grants and /or cost recovery mechanisms to assist with program sustainability.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently use a computer for word processing, internet based programs, social media, and email.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 09/30/2026

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.

SDState 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 Rosie Nold, Interim State 4-H Program Director, [e-mail].

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 equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [e-mail]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].