Deputy Director - South Dakota Space Grant Consortium

South Dakota State University (SDState) is looking for a well-organized and motivated individual to serve as the Deputy Director of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium (SDSGC) within the Department of Mechanical Engineering under the supervisor of the Director. The Deputy Director is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations as well as helping to ensure compliance with the NASA Space Grant and NASA EPSCoR requirements. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position 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. It is the vision of the South Dakota Space Gant Consortium to expand opportunities for all through education, research, and public service in the fields of aerospace, earth science, and supporting STEM disciplines. Through this vision, the SDSGC endeavors to use science, technology, engineering and math to help instill the spirit of exploration and discovery into students, educators and the general public alike with the mission of creating a positive impact on the nation’s developing workforce.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is an operations role within the SDSGC responsible for leading statewide programming, internal processes, developing and maintaining partnerships as well as compliance. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinating and implementing SDSGC programs across member institutions and affiliates, including student research initiatives, faculty grants, outreach, K–12 and public engagement.
• Leading internal grant competitions (e.g. SDSGC Program Innovation Grants, NASA Internships and Fellowship student awards, Teacher Grants, EPSCoR Research Initiation, faculty seed funding, etc.) and helping to manage proposal review and communicating award decisions.
• Overseeing budgeting and fiscal management in collaboration with the Director and Management Team, ensuring timely financial reporting.
• Compiling annual and ad hoc reports for NASA and state stakeholders; ensuring compliance with federal grant regulations and evaluation protocols.
• Organizing evaluation efforts in partnership with an external evaluator.
• Representing SDSGC at institutional, state, and national meetings, including NASA Space Grant consortium gatherings, when necessary.
• Assisting in developing funding proposals to expand collaborations with academic affiliates, industry, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Promoting SDSGC programs through public outreach, campus visits, educational workshops, and engagement with elected officials.
• Traveling statewide to member campuses and periodically attending national conferences or partner meetings.
• Supporting development and maintenance of a collaborative, equitable workplace culture for staff, students, and partners.

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 a STEM or Education field (science, engineering, mathematics, or STEM education) by start date.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in STEM education, outreach, program coordination, or grant administration at the university level.
• Experience with spreadsheets, database management and developing forms/templates
• Ability to develop and maintain website and social media content on multiple platforms.
• Familiarity with common evaluation and assessment methods used in research.
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one with the first 30 days of hire and a willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in science, engineering, STEM education, or a related discipline
• Familiarity with national NASA programs, NASA EPSCoR, and the Space Grant network
• Experience engaging with industry partners and federal/state government entities
• Experience managing research, educational or outreach programs
• Ability to help lead or contribute to student design teams

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes October 12, 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 Todd Letcher at Todd.Letcher@sdstate.edu.

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.