Tourism Specialist Position open

Title: Tourism Specialist

Classification: Assistant Extension Professor (9623), Academic Professional and Admin Program Area: Center for Community Vitality, Tourism Center

Office Location: St Paul Campus

Reports to: Tourism Center Director

Salary range: $72,000 - $80,000

Initial Deadline: March 28, 2022

ABOUT THIS POSITION

In this position, you will work to develop, implement, and share research on tourism and outdoor recreation  that informs program development, advises tourism-related decisions, and contributes to a successful and  sustainable tourism industry. To do this, you will connect with Minnesota communities, industry experts, and  colleagues.

This position will also give you the opportunity to enhance and expand a nationally recognized extension  program focused on tourism. The Tourism Center is recognized in Minnesota for its leadership in tourism  research and the direct application of that research in communities. You will join a high impact and high performance team that is passionate about communities and the industry. You will collaborate with team members located across the state of Minnesota, who will provide you with both networks and insights into  regional tourism issues. You will also connect with campus-based faculty.

The position will report to the Tourism Center director (the primary supervisor) and will collaborate with  colleagues as appropriate to fulfill Extension's and the Tourism Center’s missions.

LOCATION OF POSITION

The position will be located in Coffey Hall on the St Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. The person  will also serve as a member of statewide program teams. Hybrid schedule is a possibility. However, travel for  work is expected as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Applied Research – 65%

• Assume leadership on research related to tourism, outdoor recreation, and traveler behavior • Collaborate with colleagues on the design, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation of tourism  and outdoor recreation research, with communication of findings tailored to be appropriate to the  audience
• Develop and secure funds and resources to support research through grants, fee-for-service, third  party reimbursement and other means
• Use technology to communicate, collect information, and design and deliver research-based  information
• Collaborate with supervisor to establish, evaluate, and report on annual work goals, activities, impacts  and outcomes that align with program-area priorities and demonstrate progress on required criteria  associated with promotion in academic rank.

Education – 25%

• Develop and deliver research-based educational programs to support the tourism and outdoor  recreation industry and communities engaging in tourism and outdoor recreation

Marketing, Professional Development, Networking – 10%

• Develop and maintain effective university, regional, and state partnerships that further the  development and delivery of Tourism Center work
• Support the Tourism Center Director in public relations and marketing work for the Center • Utilize annual budget allocation to continue professional development in scholarship/research via  conferences, self- directed study, and other appropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources, or a related field at time of  appointment.
• Experience in applying for external resources to support research, including grants, fee-for-service,  third party reimbursement, and other means
• Ability to design, implement and report on consumer and community-based research • Ability to apply research to program design, delivery, and evaluation
• Experience in applying research to community-based problems
• Skills in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and  stakeholders
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology for communication, information gathering, program delivery  and reporting
• Experienced in Google and Microsoft suite applications.
• Proven ability to effectively work with diverse stakeholders, colleagues, partners, and participants • Commitment to ongoing professional development.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance for travel throughout the state. It is possible to use the fleet service at the University of Minnesota. • Must be able to travel to off-site locations regularly, including occasional overnight trips. • Personal cell phone that can be used, as needed, for work purposes and published in the Extension  public staff directory.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to work on computer for prolonged periods of time
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources, or a related field at time of appointment • Experience designing and delivering informal or formal educational programs in non-classroom  environments.
• Three (3) years of related professional experience post-graduate degree. Related professional  experience includes performing research in related organizations such as higher education;  community or interest-based organizations; state, regional or local development agencies;  businesses; or cooperative extension.
• Prior success in garnering external resources to support research, including grants, fee-for-service,  third party reimbursement, and other means
• Experience in the use of educational technology
• Experience bringing successful educational programs to underserved or marginalized communities • Refereed publications related to travel or tourism, outdoor recreation, natural resources, or related  fields

APPOINTMENT AND BENEFITS

1. This position has an annual University academic professional appointment and Extension  academic rank Assistant Extension Professor.
2. The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance,  results, availability of funds, and program needs. After 3 years, funding models will be reassessed  with the goal of project support for 50% of the position.
3. This position carries Extension academic rank. Promotion is required and is contingent upon  accomplishments as governed by Extension's promotion policies and procedures.
4. University of Minnesota benefits are available. Benefits package and summaries can be found  here, https://humanresources.umn.edu...s/benefits-summaries.
5. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.  6. Salary range of $72,000 - $80,000 dependent on education and experience.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

ABOUT THE TOURISM CENTER

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center is part of the Center for Community Vitality at the University of  Minnesota Extension. Celebrating its 35th year, the Tourism Center empowers, prepares, and supports the  tourism industry for success and sustainability. The Tourism Center uses research-based education and  applied research to inform decisions, educate the tourism workforce and engage communities. Find further  information at www.tourism.umn.edu.

The Center for Community Vitality (CV) is one of four centers at University of Minnesota Extension. CV makes  a difference by engaging the people of Minnesota to strengthen the social, civic, economic and technological  capacities of their communities. The faculty and staff of the Center specialize in community economics (CE)  and leadership and civic engagement (LCE), in addition to the work of the Tourism Center.

TO APPLY:

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Apply at: https://extension.umn.edu/about-extension/careers Job Opening ID: 346599

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and  follow the instructions.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter- Summarize the strengths you will bring to this position.
• Resume or Vitae

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be  required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page  and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://humanresources.umn.edu...using-job-app-system.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612- 624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Xinyi Qian, Ph.D., Tourism Center Director & Search Committee Chair, qianx@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our  presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically  disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to report complete vaccination against  COVID-19 or submit documentation requesting a medical or religious exemption on their first day of  employment. To learn more, please visit the University's COVID-19 Response webpage.

Diversity

University of Minnesota Extension shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and  employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status,  disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment  experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to  attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and  employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status,  disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender  expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.