Extension Evaluation Specialist

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Institution South Dakota State University

Working Title Extension Evaluation Specialist

Posting Number NFE02368P

Department SDSU-Extension

Physical Location of Position (City) Unspecified

Posting Text 

Are you passionate about driving positive change through education and learning initiatives? South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is looking for a dynamic Evaluation Specialist to join our team in an administrative capacity. The Evaluation Specialist plays a pivotal part in providing statewide leadership to enhance SDSU Extension capacity. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position and will be located in either the Aberdeen or Watertown regional office.

As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension is able to provide 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, Family, Food & Wellness, Community Vitality, and 4-H Youth Development.

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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Evaluation Specialist will serve in an administrative appointment and therefore will be responsible for providing statewide administrative leadership to build SDSU Extension capacity to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of educational programs in achieving desired results and to contribute to the individual, community and organizational learning and performance improvement. Capacity building includes initiatives such as conducting evaluation studies, facilitating/assisting with professional development, supporting accountability, and reporting functions and working with all Extension professionals in support of evaluation efforts. The Evaluation Specialist supports the SDSU Extension mission, strategic vision, and planning assumptions, complies with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and all University policies, including Affirmative Action while committing to the inclusion of diverse citizens.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University 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. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s in Education, Economics, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Sociology or other closely related field completed by first date of employment;
• At least 3 years of experience in a professional role that has utilized evaluation expertise;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in oral and written communications;
• Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative evaluation;
• Ability to evaluate community based non-formal educational programs
• Ability to teach and communicate ideas effectively verbally, in writing and through educational technology;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively;
• Self-motivated with an enthusiasm for teaching and improving others; and
• A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in one or more of the following: analysis of qualitative data, survey design and development, statistical analysis skills, experimental and quasi-experimental design;
• Experience and success in measuring and assessing the impact and effectiveness of Extension/outreach programs;
• Knowledgeable about current issues in Extension – including agriculture, food systems, health, community resilience, families, youth development;
• Experience planning programs and managing large projects;
• Strong group and facilitations skills;
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills in a team setting; and
• Ability to effectively manage conflicts.

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, 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. 

Posting Date 05/17/2024

Closing Date 

Open Until Filled No

First Consideration Date 07/31/2024

Advertised Salary The salary range for the Extension Evaluation Specialist is $59,640-$71,610.

Duration of the Term 12 months

If Other, describe duration 

Appointment Percent 100

Work Hours 

Typical office hours but can include nights and weekends as position dictates.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week 

Appointment Type Regular

Faculty Status No

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search 

This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate This position will be located in one of the regional offices in: Aberdeen or Watertown.

Department Description and Cultural Expectations 

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity StatementSouth 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 identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. 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.

Contact InformationFor questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Ann Schwader at Ann.Schwader@sdstate.edu or 605-842-1267.

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Please check the appropriate response for this position’s use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

If other protection is used please identifyN/A

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting light, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently

Describe any of the conditions selected Fine Finger Manipulation – computer and keyboarding.

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, Near Vision, Peripheral Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. 

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above 

N/A

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Office Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below)

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided. 

N/A

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