Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Tourism Economic Development

Job Description Summary

POSITION: Auburn University is seeking a 12-month tenure-track assistant professor and Extension specialist (95% Extension and 5% Service) to provide statewide leadership in tourism economic development. This role will capitalize on the design, implementation, evaluation, and application of research devoted to coastal, urban, and rural and the statewide visitor experience. This position is housed within the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management and is designed to assist the College of Human Sciences and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in developing the state’s full economic tourism potential. 

The position will provide leadership in developing, delivering, evaluating, and reporting evidence-based programs and applied research with clientele off campus and in a community or industry setting. While the position does not include a formal teaching assignment, there will be a possibility to assist from time-to-time as guest lecturer if desired. The earliest start date is March 1, 2024, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The selected applicant will provide strategic and inclusive leadership in tourism economic development in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Responsibilities include: 1) Provide statewide leadership in tourism economic development and regional economic planning; 2) Collaborate with the Horst SchulzeSchool of Hospitality Management Director of Community Engagement and Economic Development to identify local and statewide program priority needs for the tourism industry; 3) Develop and deliver grant-supported educational programs (initiatives, presentations, website information, and supporting materials) grounded in research-based sciences to improve the performance of the statewide tourism industry, whether owner operated or corporate entities; 4) Collaborate with, support, and train regional Extension agents, and county Extension coordinators, when appropriate, across the state to implement and evaluate programs and activities and report program impacts; 5) Participate in and assist Extension priority program teams as they develop plans-of-work; 6) Design and undertake evidence-based Extension and applied research projects that engage and involve various tourism client groups, stakeholders (, Alabama Department of Tourism, Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance, Statewide Visitor and Convention Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce), and whole communities to improve their quality of life and economic wellbeing; 7) Establish and maintain a strong, extramurally funded Extension and applied research program; 8) Disseminate Extension and research scholarship through journals, digital products, and conference presentations and seek recognition of excellence in programming; 9) Collaborate with College of Human Sciences and Horst SchulzeSchool of Hospitality Management faculty on interdisciplinary community programming; 10) Engage the Horst SchulzeSchool of Hospitality Management students in development and delivery of educational tools and programs; 11) Provide service within professional organizations and on committees within the Horst SchulzeSchool of Hospitality Management, College of Human Sciences, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and Auburn University. This faculty member will be reviewed annually by the Department Head of the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management based on current School promotion and tenure guidelines.

SETTING: The Horst SchulzeSchool of Hospitality Management at Auburn University employs 14 full-time faculty and five affiliate faculty and is housed within the College of Human Sciences and offers a baccalaureate degree program in Hospitality Management, with program options in (1) Hotel and Restaurant Management, (2) Event Management, and (3) Culinary Science. The Horst SchulzeSchool also offers an undergraduate certificate in Aviation Hospitality, an MS and PhD in Hospitality Management, and an MS degree in Brewing Science and Operations. The School is located in the newly constructed Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. Shaping the next generation of top-tier hospitality professionals while providing exceptional guest experiences in a state-of-the-art learning facility, the Horst SchulzeSchool of Hospitality Management prepares graduates for an array of careers within the broad hospitality and tourism industry with immersive, hands-on learning opportunities available through the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. The School is also heavily engaged with Community Programming and Economic Development, which are both central to the vision and mission of Auburn University. Additional information on the Horst SchulzeSchool of Hospitality Management can be found at .

The College of Human Sciences is one of 14 colleges and schools on the AU campus. It enrolls more than 1,400 undergraduate and approximately 200 graduate students across three departments (Consumer and Design Sciences, Human Development and Family Science, and Nutritional Sciences) and one school, Horst SchulzeSchool ofHospitality Management. Additional information on the College of Human Sciences can be found at .

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the outreach and engagement organization for the land grant mission of Auburn University and Alabama A & M University. Extension professionals, including Regional Extension Agents and Specialists, deliver science-based educational programs in all 67 counties that enable individuals, families, and communities to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Additional information on the Alabama Cooperative Extension System can be found at .

Auburn University, an R1 land-grant institution with 31,000 students, is in the east Alabama city of Auburn. US News and World Report have consistently ranked it as one of the top 50 public universities in the United States. For more information, visit and . Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples . Minimum Qualifications Earned doctorate in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Tourism Economics, Sustainable Tourism Development, Outdoor Recreation, Natural Resources, Economic Development, or a related field at the time employment begins. Evidence of, or strong promise in, building a record or scholarship, grantsmanship, and multi-disciplinary collaborations. The candidate selected for this position must also be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States when the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment. Desired Qualifications A minimum of five years of experience in local or regional economic development, grant writing, program development, and/or industry consulting. Special Instructions to Applicants Apply online using the link: . Provide application letter, complete CV, transcripts from all universities attended, research and educational interests, and three (3) professional references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Only complete online applications will be considered for review beginning November 1, 2023. For more information about the position, contact Dr. Alecia Douglas, PhD, Chair- Search Committee, at .

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