Community Tourism Development Lead

Greater Western Chapter, Travel and Tourism Research Association (GWTTRA); Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center in St. Paul seeks a Community Tourism Development Specialist to lead CTD work, collaborate with Extension and university partners, and advance a nationally recognized tourism program.

You will design, develop, and deliver applied CTD programs, build an AoE, and secure resources while working with communities across Minnesota. The role requires travel, flexible schedule, and evening/weekend commitments as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in tourism, community development, or related field.
• Two years of professional CTD programming and coaching experience.
• Ability to apply research to program design, delivery, and evaluation.
• Proven ability to build relationships with stakeholders and communities.
• Experience securing external resources (grants, contracts, fee-for-service).
• Ability to design and report on community-based applied research.
• Strong written and oral communication in English.
• Experience using Google and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead the CTD programming portfolio and contribute to the Tourism Center’s strategic plan.
• Develop and lead an Area of Excellence (AoE) in CTD with departmental colleagues.
• Conduct applied CTD research and disseminate findings to communities and partners.
• Build and maintain partnerships with Minnesota communities, Extension professionals, and external stakeholders.
• Assist supervisor in setting annual goals, evaluating outcomes, and reporting progress for professional advancement.

Skills

Written and oral communication

Stakeholder engagement

Research design

Grant funding experience

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Education

Master’s degree in tourism / community development

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center in St. Paul seeks a Community Tourism Development Specialist to lead CTD work, collaborate with Extension and university partners, and advance a nationally recognized tourism program.

You will design, develop, and deliver applied CTD programs, build an AoE, and secure resources while working with communities across Minnesota. The role requires travel, flexible schedule, and evening/weekend commitments as needed.