Community Tourism Development Specialist

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedule

Professional development

PSLF benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a Community Tourism Development Specialist to lead the CTD work portfolio at the Tourism Center, collaborating with Extension staff, partners, and stakeholders. The position reports to the Tourism Center Director and aims to expand nationally recognized CTD programming in Minnesota.

The CTD Specialist will design, develop, and deliver research-based CTD programs, lead an Area of Excellence, build external partnerships, pursue funding, and help drive community

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in tourism, community development, or a related field.
• Two years of professional CTD programming experience.
• Ability to apply research to program design and evaluation.
• Proven ability to build relationships with stakeholders and communities.
• Experience securing external resources (grants, contracts, reimbursements).
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Experience using Google and Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead CTD programming and 60% focus.
• Develop and lead Area of Excellence in CTD.
• Create research-based educational programs in collaboration with colleagues.
• Design and disseminate applied CTD research.
• Collaborate on budget planning and reporting against goals.

Skills

Master’s degree

CTD programming

Stakeholder mgmt

Grant funding

Communication

Travel ready

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Job

Title: Community Tourism Development Specialist

Job code: 9624CE Asst Ext Prof-Community Econ

Employee Group: Professional and Academic (P&A)

Full/Part Time (FTE): Full-time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office location: Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave., St. Paul, MN55108

Estimated salary range: $75,000 - $83,000

Apply by: September 16, 2026

About the Job

The University of Minnesota (UMN) Tourism Center, housed in UMNExtension’s Department of Community Development, is hiring aCommunity Tourism Development (CTD) Specialist to lead the CTD workportfolio at the Tourism Center, in collaboration with colleaguesacross the Department, Extension, and the UMN system, as well asexternal partners. The position will report to the Tourism Centerdirector and will collaborate with colleagues to fulfill themissions of the Tourism Center, the Department of CommunityDevelopment and the University of Minnesota Extension.

The CTD Specialist will join a high-impact and high-performanceteam passionate about communities and the tourism industry. The CTDSpecialist will be expected to enhance and expand an ExtensionTourism program recognized nationally and in Minnesota for itsleadership in tourism programming, community coaching, and appliedtourism research.

The Specialist will design, develop, and deliver research-based CTDprograms and community coaching. This position will develop andlead an Area of Excellence (AoE) in CTD , a resource hub forDepartment staff that houses expertise and tools used to developand support programs that serve communities. The CTD Specialistwill develop, implement, and share applied research on CTD thatinforms program development and contributes to successful andsustainable CTD work in Minnesota. The Specialist will also buildstrong relationships with communities, stakeholders, and industryexperts across Minnesota.

Location and Work Environment

The position will be located in Coffey Hall on the St Paul campusof the University of Minnesota. A flexible schedule is apossibility, with at least three days working in the office whennot programming in the communities.

Work Schedule

Full time schedule with occasional evening and weekend work,depending on projects’ and communities’ needs. Driving and travelfor work is expected as needed. Overnight stays required 3-4 timesa year.

Primary Responsibilities

Community Tourism Development (CTD) programming: 60%

• Contribute to implementing the Tourism Center 2026-2030strategic plan by assuming leadership of the CTD work portfolio atthe Tourism Center. Responsibilities include:
• Revamping existing programs to offer greater flexibility andcoaching opportunities to meet communities’ needs
• Creating and delivering research-based educational programs, incollaboration with colleagues, to support community tourismdevelopment in Minnesota
• Initiating, leading, and contributing to CTD programs andprojects that meet the needs of Minnesota communities
• Develop and lead the Area of Excellence (AoE) in CTD incollaboration with department colleagues, with support from theTourism Center Director. This AoE will ensure Educators in thedepartment are more attuned to communities’ CTD needs and betterequipped to leverage CTD for community economic development,particularly in small rural communities.
• Contribute to other AoEs in Extension’s Department of CommunityDevelopment as appropriate, e.g., placemaking, entrepreneurship,etc.
• Collaborate with supervisor to establish, evaluate, and reporton annual work goals, activities, impacts and outcomes that alignwith program-area priorities and demonstrate progress on requiredcriteria associated with promotion in academic rank.

Community Tourism Development (CTD) applied scholarship:25%

• Assume leadership of applied research related to CTD, byresponding to communities ’ inquiries, initiating, designing andimplementing projects, and disseminating project results. .
• Given time, updating the Community Tourism DevelopmentManual.
• Develop and secure funds and resources to support appliedscholarship on CTD, through grants, fee-for-service, third partyreimbursement 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, withcommunication of findings tailored to be appropriate to theaudience.

Partnership building, marketing, and professional development:15%

• Build and maintain effective relationships across theUniversity of Minnesota and with public agencies, regional &economic development organizations, philanthropic organizations,communities, and other partners to stay informed and relevant, toleverage resources, and to strategically pursue externalopportunities.
• Connect with Extension professionals working in tourism acrossthe country, primarily through the National Extension TourismNetwork.
• Support the Tourism Center Director in public relations andmarketing for the Center.
• Utilize annual budget allocation to continue professionaldevelopment via conferences, self- directed study, and otherappropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree, at time of application, in tourism, communitydevelopment, 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, andevaluation.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationshipswith stakeholders, communities, colleagues, partners, andparticipants.
• Experience in applying for external resources to supportprograms and applied research, including grants, fee-for-service,third party reimbursement, and other means.
• Ability to design, implement and report on community-basedapplied research to help communities inform their decisions andmeet their challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology for communication,information gathering, research, program delivery andreporting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills inEnglish.
• Experienced in Google and Microsoft Office suiteapplications.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to drive, have a reliable vehicle, a validdriver’s license, and appropriate insurance for travelingthroughout the state. It is possible to use the fleet service atthe 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 temperatureconditions, as well as outdoor environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in tourism, community development, or a related field attime of appointment.
• Experience designing and delivering informal or formaleducational programs in non-classroom environments.
• Related p rogressive professional experience in designing anddelivering impactful programs in communities, creating curriculumfor adult education, and performing applied research t hat informscommunity decision making in related organizations such ascooperative extension, higher education; community orinterest-based organizations; state, regional or local developmentagencies.
• Prior success in garnering external resources to supportresearch and programming, including grants, fee-for-service, thirdparty reimbursement, and other means.
• Experience in using educational technology.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and continuallydevelop

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of theUniversity of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission toserve the public through applied research and education. Ourmission is to make a difference by connecting community needs andUniversity resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionateemployees. Find further information on the Extension website .

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center is a part of theDepartment of Community Development at the University of MinnesotaExtension. Our mission is to help communities realize the economic,social, and environmental sustainability of tourism and outdoorrecreation. The Tourism Center is focused on three priority areas:community tourism development, outdoor recreation, and agritourism.Center staff collaborate extensively with colleagues in Extensionand across the University of Minnesota system, Advisory Committeemembers, and external partners. Find further information at www.tourism.umn.edu

The Department of Community Development (CD) is one of fourdepartments at University of Minnesota Extension. The Department’smission is partnering with communities to develop capacity, tools,and programs that respond to community needs. The Departmentspecializes in community economics and leadership and civicengagement, in addition to the work of the Tourism Center.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $75,000-$83,000; depending oneducation/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for moreinformation regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package thatincludes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional trainingand degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram
• 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 counselingat no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metroarea

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important tonote that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach themaximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensationreflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate whilemaintaining equity within our organization. As part of ourcommitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware thatthe salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on theirindividual credentials and experience.

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. Criminalconvictions do not automatically disqualify finalists fromemployment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among thelargest public research universities in the country, offeringundergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude ofopportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of oneof the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit fromextensive 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 byForbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employerfor 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-lifeflexibility.