State of South Dakota
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Executive Director
role at
State of South Dakota
Job ID: 32774
Agency: Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Salary: Depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: L
Closing Date: 10/06/2025
Overview Are you a visionary leader with a passion for working with farmers? The South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (SDSRPC) and the South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) are seeking a dynamic individual to drive innovation, foster strategic partnerships, and champion the future of soybeans in South Dakota and beyond.
What You’ll Do
Lead with Vision: Guide strategic initiatives that position SDSRPC and SDSA for long-term growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving global market.
Drive Impact: Oversee programs that promote soybean use, expand markets, and support cutting-edge research and education domestically and internationally.
Collaborate with Purpose: Work closely with the Boards of Directors to align on mission, vision, and strategic direction.
Build Partnerships: Forge strong relationships across the agriculture value chain, maximizing investment and influence.
Ensure Excellence: Manage budgets, staff, and operations with integrity and efficiency, ensuring compliance with all checkoff regulations and organizational goals.
Champion Policy: Coordinate SDSA’s efforts at the state, federal, and international levels, advocating for policies that benefit South Dakota soybean producers.
Why Join Us? This is a chance to lead mission-driven organizations that support South Dakota’s farmers, drive innovation, and strengthen our state economy. You will be a partner with dedicated professionals and producers who are passionate about making a lasting impact.
Benefits Include
Health Insurance ($0 employee-only premium option)
Well-Being Program
Employee Assistance Program
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account
Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employees)
Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System
Vacation Leave (15 paid vacation days per year)
Sick Leave (14 paid sick days)
Paid Family Leave (40 hours per week for twelve weeks for birth or adoption of a child)
Military Leave (15 paid days per calendar year)
11 Paid Holidays
Longevity Pay
Semimonthly Pay Periods
For additional information regarding the benefits offered to state employees, refer to state resources.
This is a full-time position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources – Soybean Council. For more information on the Soybean Council, please visit
sdsoybean.org.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
Bachelor’s degree in business, organizational leadership, agriculture, or a closely related field, paired with a strong track record of effective administrative and supervisory leadership.
Demonstrated success in developing and managing large, complex budgets; overseeing diverse teams; and administering multiple contracts.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Proficient in reading, analyzing, and interpreting business periodicals, financial reports, legal documents, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Skilled at guiding staff, contractors, and board members to achieve goals in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
Strong public relations abilities with a proven record of building and maintaining effective internal and external relationships.
Exercise sound, independent judgment in developing, implementing, and evaluating plans, procedures, and policies.
Experienced in planning, directing, and coordinating activities; negotiating and administering contracts; and collaborating with producers, vendors, government agencies, commodity groups, and multiple organizations.
Demonstrated leadership, project management, consulting, and strategic planning prowess.
Effective time management skills with the ability to balance multiple short and long-term projects.
Adept at developing and executing strategies aligned with organizational goals, communicating and justifying tactics to the boards and industry stakeholders, and overseeing multi-million-dollar initiatives.
Innovative, creative leader able to pivot quickly between topics and leverage experience to generate new ideas for growth and development.
Ability to lead and supervise diverse teams while fostering a positive, goal-oriented, professional environment.
Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally for conferences, training, trade missions, and other events as required.
Additional Requirements To be considered, please attach your cover letter, and curriculum vitae.
This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. 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.
This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: gen-stateofsouthdakota-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2B2
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148
Email: careers@state.sd.us
An Equal Opportunity Employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Director
role at
State of South Dakota
Job ID: 32774
Agency: Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Salary: Depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: L
Closing Date: 10/06/2025
Overview Are you a visionary leader with a passion for working with farmers? The South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (SDSRPC) and the South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA) are seeking a dynamic individual to drive innovation, foster strategic partnerships, and champion the future of soybeans in South Dakota and beyond.
What You’ll Do
Lead with Vision: Guide strategic initiatives that position SDSRPC and SDSA for long-term growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving global market.
Drive Impact: Oversee programs that promote soybean use, expand markets, and support cutting-edge research and education domestically and internationally.
Collaborate with Purpose: Work closely with the Boards of Directors to align on mission, vision, and strategic direction.
Build Partnerships: Forge strong relationships across the agriculture value chain, maximizing investment and influence.
Ensure Excellence: Manage budgets, staff, and operations with integrity and efficiency, ensuring compliance with all checkoff regulations and organizational goals.
Champion Policy: Coordinate SDSA’s efforts at the state, federal, and international levels, advocating for policies that benefit South Dakota soybean producers.
Why Join Us? This is a chance to lead mission-driven organizations that support South Dakota’s farmers, drive innovation, and strengthen our state economy. You will be a partner with dedicated professionals and producers who are passionate about making a lasting impact.
Benefits Include
Health Insurance ($0 employee-only premium option)
Well-Being Program
Employee Assistance Program
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account
Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employees)
Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System
Vacation Leave (15 paid vacation days per year)
Sick Leave (14 paid sick days)
Paid Family Leave (40 hours per week for twelve weeks for birth or adoption of a child)
Military Leave (15 paid days per calendar year)
11 Paid Holidays
Longevity Pay
Semimonthly Pay Periods
For additional information regarding the benefits offered to state employees, refer to state resources.
This is a full-time position with the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources – Soybean Council. For more information on the Soybean Council, please visit
sdsoybean.org.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
Bachelor’s degree in business, organizational leadership, agriculture, or a closely related field, paired with a strong track record of effective administrative and supervisory leadership.
Demonstrated success in developing and managing large, complex budgets; overseeing diverse teams; and administering multiple contracts.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Proficient in reading, analyzing, and interpreting business periodicals, financial reports, legal documents, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Skilled at guiding staff, contractors, and board members to achieve goals in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
Strong public relations abilities with a proven record of building and maintaining effective internal and external relationships.
Exercise sound, independent judgment in developing, implementing, and evaluating plans, procedures, and policies.
Experienced in planning, directing, and coordinating activities; negotiating and administering contracts; and collaborating with producers, vendors, government agencies, commodity groups, and multiple organizations.
Demonstrated leadership, project management, consulting, and strategic planning prowess.
Effective time management skills with the ability to balance multiple short and long-term projects.
Adept at developing and executing strategies aligned with organizational goals, communicating and justifying tactics to the boards and industry stakeholders, and overseeing multi-million-dollar initiatives.
Innovative, creative leader able to pivot quickly between topics and leverage experience to generate new ideas for growth and development.
Ability to lead and supervise diverse teams while fostering a positive, goal-oriented, professional environment.
Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally for conferences, training, trade missions, and other events as required.
Additional Requirements To be considered, please attach your cover letter, and curriculum vitae.
This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act. 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.
This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: gen-stateofsouthdakota-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2B2
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148
Email: careers@state.sd.us
An Equal Opportunity Employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr