Revamping existing programs to offer greater flexibility and
coaching opportunities to meet communities’ needs
Creating and delivering research-based educational programs, in
collaboration with colleagues, to support community tourism
development in Minnesota
Initiating, leading, and contributing to CTD programs and
projects that meet the needs of Minnesota communities
Develop and lead the Area of Excellence (AoE) in CTD in
collaboration with department colleagues, with support from the
Tourism Center Director. This AoE will ensure Educators in the
department are more attuned to communities’ CTD needs and better
equipped to leverage CTD for community economic development,
particularly in small rural communities.
Contribute to other AoEs in Extension’s Department of Community
Development as appropriate, e.g., placemaking, entrepreneurship,
etc.
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.
Community Tourism Development (CTD) applied scholarship:
25%
- Assume leadership of applied research related to CTD, by
responding to communities ’ inquiries, initiating, designing and
implementing projects, and disseminating project results. .
- Given time, updating the Community Tourism Development
Manual.
- Develop and secure funds and resources to support applied
scholarship on CTD, through grants, fee-for-service, third party
reimbursement and other means, in collaboration with faculties,
Extension Educators, and partners.
- Collaborate with colleagues on the design, implementation,
dissemination, and evaluation of applied CTD research, with
communication of findings tailored to be appropriate to the
audience.
Partnership building, marketing, and professional development:
15%
- Build and maintain effective relationships across the
University of Minnesota and with public agencies, regional &
economic development organizations, philanthropic organizations,
communities, and other partners to stay informed and relevant, to
leverage resources, and to strategically pursue external
opportunities.
- Connect with Extension professionals working in tourism across
the country, primarily through the National Extension Tourism
Network.
- Support the Tourism Center Director in public relations and
marketing for the Center.
- Utilize annual budget allocation to continue professional
development via conferences, self- directed study, and other
appropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree, at time of application, in tourism, community
development, or a related field.
- T wo years of professional experience in designing, developing,
and delivering programming and community coaching on CTD.
- Ability to apply research to program design, delivery, and
evaluation.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships
with stakeholders, communities, colleagues, partners, and
participants.
- Experience in applying for external resources to support
programs and applied research, including grants, fee-for-service,
third party reimbursement, and other means.
- Ability to design, implement and report on community-based
applied research to help communities inform their decisions and
meet their challenges.
- Demonstrated ability to use technology for communication,
information gathering, research, program delivery and
reporting.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in
English.
- Experienced in Google and Microsoft Office suite
applications.
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to drive, have a reliable vehicle, a valid
driver’s license, and appropriate insurance for traveling
throughout the state. It is possible to use the fleet service at
the University of Minnesota.
- Must be able to drive to off-site locations regularly,
including occasional overnight trips.
- Must have reliable internet when working remotely.
- Ability to work on computer for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to work in different buildings and temperature
conditions, as well as outdoor environments
- This position is not eligible for employment visa
sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in tourism, community development, or a related field at
time of appointment.
- Experience designing and delivering informal or formal
educational programs in non-classroom environments.
- Related p rogressive professional experience in designing and
delivering impactful programs in communities, creating curriculum
for adult education, and performing applied research t hat informs
community decision making in related organizations such as
cooperative extension, higher education; community or
interest-based organizations; state, regional or local development
agencies.
- Prior success in garnering external resources to support
research and programming, including grants, fee-for-service, third
party reimbursement, and other means.
- Experience in using educational technology.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and continually
develop
About the Department
University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the
University of Minnesota, a land grant institution 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. Find further information on the
Extension website .
The University of Minnesota Tourism Center is a part of the
Department of Community Development at the University of Minnesota
Extension. Our mission is to help communities realize the economic,
social, and environmental sustainability of tourism and outdoor
recreation. The Tourism Center is focused on three priority areas:
community tourism development, outdoor recreation, and agritourism.
Center staff collaborate extensively with colleagues in Extension
and across the University of Minnesota system, Advisory Committee
members, and external partners. Find further information at
www.tourism.umn.edu
The Department of Community Development (CD) is one of four
departments at University of Minnesota Extension. The Department’s
mission is partnering with communities to develop capacity, tools,
and programs that respond to community needs. The Department
specializes in community economics and leadership and civic
engagement, in addition to the work of the Tourism Center.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $75,000-$83,000; depending on
education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the
Office of Human Resources website for more
information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that
includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit
Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling
at no cost
- Employee Transit
Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro
area
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to
note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the
maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation
reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our
commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that
the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their
individual credentials and experience.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an
online application for the position and attach a cover letter and
resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing
your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My
Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please
e-mail jobcentr@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.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the
largest public research universities in the country, offering
undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of
opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one
of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,
students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from
extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,
international corporations, government agencies, and arts,
nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by
Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer
for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State
(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &
Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life
flexibility.
