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May 31, 2026

Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist - Civic Engagement & Public History

South Dakota Board of Regents
Brookings, SD 57006, USA
$63,000 yearly

Job Description

Working Title

Posting Number

F01881P

Department

SDSU-School of American & Global Studies

Physical Location of Position (City)

Brookings

Posting Text

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.

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

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 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, 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.

Posting Date

05/28/2026

Closing Date

06/28/2026

Open Until Filled

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

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

Duration of the Term

9 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Tenure Status

Tenure Track

Proposed Rank

Assistant Professor

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 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 Information

For questions on the position, contact Christine Garst-Santos at Christine.Garst-Santos@sdstate.edu.

ID

18b32f2bd3f8ea264ea2e47c5026f81d