JAG Program Specialist

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 36282
Agency: Department of Education / Division of College, Career, and Student Success
Location:Pierre, SD, potentially remote within South DakotaSalary: $28.54-$31.25 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: J
Closing Date: 06/17/2026

Do you enjoy helping people succeed? Do you thrive on building relationships, solving problems, and turning data into action?

WE NEED YOUR SKILLS TO BUILD STUDENT ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS ACROSS SOUTH DAKOTA!

The South Dakota Department of Education is looking for an individual to support Jobs for America's Graduates program in South Dakota (JAG-SD), a nationally recognized program that helps schools improve outcomes for students facing significant barriers to success. This is a full-time (40 hrs./week) position with the Department of Education - Division of College, Career, and Student Success. For more information on the Department of Education, please visit .

The JAG-SD Program Manager is a proactive problem-solver and relationship-builder who supports JAG specialists, administrators, and local program teams across South Dakota. Through coaching, data analysis, program monitoring, and technical assistance, the Program Manager helps schools implement the JAG model with fidelity and achieve strong student outcomes.

(Please visit jag.org and for more information on JAG).

As a JAG Program Manager, you will have the opportunity to:

• Serve as the primary support contact for assigned JAG programs across South Dakota;
• Build strong relationships with specialists, administrators, and local program teams to support successful implementation of the JAG model;
• Conduct regular site visits to observe classrooms, review program implementation, provide coaching, and support continuous improvement and fidelity to the JAG model;
• Partner with specialists and administrators to achieve state and national performance goals related to graduation, employability skills, postsecondary planning, employment, and follow-up outcomes;
• Work with specialists and administrators to turn program and student data into action that strengthens local JAG programs and improves student outcomes;
• Gather, analyze, and interpret data for state and national reporting requirements and prepare reports and presentations for school leaders, stakeholders, and JAG National;
• Support statewide professional development, student leadership activities, and special events;
• Assist with grant management, reimbursements, contracts, and other operational responsibilities that support JAG-SD programs statewide;
• Be part of a team of professional, dependable, and accountable individuals committed to strengthening programs and helping students succeed.

This position works as an employee of the Department of Education with regular office hours. The position could be located in the department's office in Pierre or work as a remote employee within South Dakota. Approximately 60% of work is conducted from the office; 40% of the position's time is spent traveling for work-related duties and events. Most travel is in-state; occasional out-of-state travel is required. Some evening and weekend hours are required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

To be successful in this position, candidates should possess a strong service mindset, initiative to make things happen, and the ability to anticipate needs. Successful candidates are proactive problem-solvers who build productive relationships, support educators and schools, balance multiple priorities, and help others turn information into action.

An associate degree and/or a bachelor's degree is highly preferred. Preferred candidates will bring experience in education, instructional coaching, classroom teaching, workforce development, youth-serving organizations, nonprofit experience, or program management.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for successful performance will include:

• RELATIONSHIP BUILDING - Build and maintain productive relationships with specialists, administrators, and stakeholders; establish trust while supporting accountability and continuous improvement;
• ACCOUNTABILITY - Take ownership of responsibilities, commitments, and outcomes; follow through on expectations, address challenges directly, and support others in meeting performance goals;
• INITIATIVE - Display a high level of effort and commitment toward assignments and goals; anticipate needs, identify opportunities, and take action without waiting for direction;
• COACHING & SUPPORT - Provide constructive feedback, guidance, and technical assistance that strengthens local programs and supports successful implementation of the JAG model;
• DATA ANALYSIS & ACTION - Gather, interpret, and utilize program and student data to identify trends, address challenges, monitor program health, and support continuous improvement efforts;
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT - Efficiently organize trainings, events, and projects; consistently prioritize competing demands and follow through to completion;
• COMMUNICATION - Communicate clearly and professionally with stakeholders at all levels; prepare reports and presentations and effectively facilitate both small and large groups;
• PROBLEM-SOLVING - Analyze challenges, identify practical solutions, and make sound decisions based on available information;
• ASSERTIVENESS - Hold others accountable for program quality, implementation, and outcomes while maintaining positive working relationships;
• CUSTOMER SERVICE - Provide responsive, professional support to schools and stakeholders; anticipate needs and respond with a solutions-focused mindset;
• COMPOSURE - Remain focused and professional in stressful situations; navigate difficult conversations with tact, discretion, and sound judgment;
• LEARNER - Actively seek, collect, and evaluate information to improve programs, strengthen professional practice, and identify emerging trends and best practices.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your cover letter and resume. These are required for consideration.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online:
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: View phone number on kelolandemployment.com Email: View email address on kelolandemployment.com

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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