Manager, Student Experiences - Statewide

Manager, Student Experiences - Statewide

Classification: Full-time, Exempt, PTO & Benefits

JA Office: Junior Achievement of South Dakota

Reports To: Vice President – Student Impact

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position works with communities across South Dakota to advance the mission and impact of Junior Achievement. As part of a collaborative team environment, this role develops and supports volunteer resources that help deliver Junior Achievement's integrated education solutions, which combine academic instruction, real-world application, and community collaboration to create meaningful learning experiences for students. This role is a great fit for candidates with project management and community engagement experience who are willing to travel throughout the state. This is a full-time position with competitive wages and benefits. The ideal candidate is professional, innovative, flexible, and enthusiastic, with a passion for helping transform education and preparing young people for success through engaging learning experiences that connect classroom learning to future careers, financial capability, and entrepreneurial thinking.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteer Recruitment and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key JA stakeholders, including JA Champions, community leaders, school district administrators, volunteers, and educators.
• Lead volunteer recruitment initiatives to ensure sufficient volunteers for JA experiences.
• Represent JA at community events by networking, presenting, and engaging at functions such as chamber meetings, service clubs, and corporate gatherings.
• Proactively engage businesses and organizations to identify and secure new volunteer partnerships.
• Communicate with prospective and referred volunteers to match them with the most suitable JA experience, offering the full JA menu.
• Serve as a liaison to JA Champions, supporting volunteer recruitment, curriculum distribution, and volunteer recognition efforts.

Traditional Learning Experiences (Leads K–12 in areas across South Dakota.)

• Ensure delivery of high-quality JA experiences aligned with each district’s strategic plan.
• Coordinate event logistics and facilitation for JA Excellence through Ethics.
• Assign classroom volunteers and complete classroom registration processes.
• Secure Volunteer Conduct Standards, confirm visit dates, and verify class completion.
• Provide volunteers and educators with comprehensive training and relevant resources (tips, videos, etc.).
• Distribute evaluations to gather feedback from volunteers, educators, and students; follow up as needed.
• Recognize volunteers, educators, and administrators through meaningful appreciation initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with JA USA program implementation standards.
• Develop and implement processes to keep stakeholders informed of program progress, activities, and successes.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry in CRM software.
• Volunteer in classrooms as needed to meet K–12 impact goals.

Experiential Learning Simulations

• Obtain school logistics to coordinate positive experiential learning simulations for students, teachers and volunteers. Gain and apply knowledge and understanding of simulation operations, software and equipment.
• Interact with students to support them during the simulation experience.
• Help with the set-up and breakdown of the mobile simulation unit at respective host sites, including onsite technology (iPads, Wi-Fi hotspots, etc.) and other logistics.
• Steward corporate and individual sponsors during simulations.
• Requires travel within the state, including overnight stays for implementation and execution of simulations. Approximately 10 nights on the road during the 2026-27 school year, with additional travel expected in the future. Must be comfortable lifting 50lbs and driving a cargo van.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Accountability

• Accepts responsibility for delivering on assigned goals and deliverables.
• Maintains composure in difficult situations and can shift quickly to objective, problem-solving behaviors in order to deliver results.
• Avoids excuses and blame-shifting.

Junior Achievement Teamwork

• Operates in a collaborative environment - Contributes to meeting team deadlines and engages effectively with others to achieve goals.
• Advocates for the entire organization, including helping to recruit volunteers and teaching JA programs when needed.
• Maintains an approachable demeanor to encourage positive working relationships and promote effective communication.
• Demonstrates a willingness to pitch in to help team members succeed (even in areas outside their role).
• Interacts well with many types of personalities and handles difficult interactions without escalating tension.
• Models appropriate work/life balance behavior and supports colleagues in their pursuit of balance.

Active Engagement

• Participates in projects, tasks, meetings and workplace interactions with positive enthusiasm.
• Demonstrates an obvious energy in performing the role.

Growth & Improvement

• Actively seeks opportunities to increase industry knowledge and become a subject matter expert in the field.
• Willing to accept stretch goals and challenging projects to gain valuable experience and continuously develop as a professional.

Integrity & Trust

• Earns the trust and confidence of coworkers and constituents through honest communication, ethical behavior and professionalism in all interactions.
• Admits mistakes, does not misrepresent self or information, and keeps confidences.
• Is dependable and known to be someone who will do what is promised.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Strong written/oral, organizational, interpersonal and presentation skills; detail oriented; knowledge of CRM software; and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

In addition to the above requirements, candidate must:

• Uphold and uplift JA’s five core values: Collaboration, Generosity, Optimism, Relevance, and Respect.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.
• Carry out the essential functions of the position with, or without, accommodation.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of cultural and ethnic diversity of constituents, staff, and community partners.

The above position description is not all-inclusive and is not an implied contract of duties performed. It is a general overview of position responsibilities. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.

To apply, email resume by September 15 th to Resa Kirchhevel, Vice President – Student Impact, at Sign in to view email.