Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist in Civic Engagement & Public History

South Dakota State University (SDState) seeks an energetic, community-engaged scholar to serve as an Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Specialist in Civic Engagement and Public History. This innovative position bridges university teaching, Extension outreach, and museum education to advance civic learning, historical literacy, and community vitality across South Dakota.

The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment between the School of American & Global Studies and SDSU Extension, working collaboratively with the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. This role coordinates the statewide National History Day (NHD) program, delivers community-based civic education programming, teaches undergraduate courses in history and museum studies, and conducts applied scholarship on civic engagement and cultural heritage.

This position is 9-month, full-time, benefits-eligible and located in Brookings, SD.

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.

This position exemplifies the land-grant mission of the university by serving youth and communities statewide through project-based learning, professional development for educators, and partnerships with schools, libraries, museums, and civic organizations. The role strengthens community vitality by fostering historical literacy, informed civic participation, and local capacity for preserving and interpreting cultural heritage.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Extension & Outreach

National History Day Program Coordination

• Administer South Dakota’s statewide National History Day (NHD) program, serving middle and high school students across the state.

• Develop and deliver professional development workshops for educators, librarians, and community volunteers.

• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, libraries, museums, and historical societies statewide.

• Recruit and train judges, volunteers, and regional coordinators.

• Assess program outcomes and prepare reports for stakeholders.

Community Vitality & Civic Education Programming

• Design and implement community-based civic education initiatives that promote historical literacy and informed civic engagement.

• Collaborate with Extension specialists in 4-H Youth Development, Community Vitality, and related fields to integrate civic learning into existing programming.

Museum-Based Education & Public Engagement

• Supervise undergraduate student projects, internships, and assistantships related to museum education and public history.

• Coordinate with museum staff on exhibitions, public programs, and collection-based research.

Scholarship & Professional Development

• Conduct applied research on civic education, museum pedagogy, public history, and community engagement.

• Disseminate findings through appropriate scholarly and professional outlets. (peer-reviewed journals, practitioner publications, conference presentations)

Teaching & Service

• Teach two to three courses annually in history, public history, museum studies, or related fields within the School of American & Global Studies curriculum.

• Contribute to curriculum development for emerging programs in public history and museum studies.

• Participate in departmental, college, and university service as appropriate for tenure-track faculty.

SALARY: The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $63,000.

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, 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:

• Ph.D. in History, Museum Studies, Public History, American Studies, or closely related field by start date.

• College-level teaching experience.

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders. (educators, students, community partners, volunteers, etc.)

• Ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.

• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire. (regional travel required; occasional overnight trips)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience with National History Day or similar project-based learning programs.

• Experience with community-engaged scholarship and public-facing education.

• Experience working in or with museums, archives, historical societies, or cultural heritage organizations.

• Grant writing and external funding experience.

• Familiarity with Extension education models and land-grant mission.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes June 28, 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState 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, Curriculum Vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState 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.

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 Christine Garst-Santos at Christine.Garst-Santos@sdstate.edu.