Executive Director, Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management

The University of Memphis • Memphis, TN

34d • $140,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director of the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management (KWS) within the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS) is a 12-month, limited position contingent upon funding availability. The anticipated start date of employment is January 1, 2027. The College of Health and Human Sciences offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines. The University of Memphis is recognized as a Research 1 Institution with a diverse student population.

Requirements

• A minimum of an earned master’s degree in the field of Hospitality or a closely related area.
• Significant experience in the hospitality industry, including leadership and management, commensurate with an appointment as a non-tenure track Professor of Practice.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience in academia is preferred, inclusive of scholarly productivity, excellence in teaching, and commitment to university service.
• Exceptional skills in written and verbal communication.
• Exceptional skills in critical and innovative thinking.
• Exceptional skills in budget management.
• Exceptional skills in opportunity identification.
• Exceptional skills in networking.
• Exceptional skills in cross-functional collaboration.
• Exceptional skills in adaptability.
• Exceptional skills in resourcefulness.
• Exceptional skills in attention to detail.
• Exceptional skills in organization.
• Exceptional skills in time management.
• Exceptional skills in follow through.
• Exceptional skills in rapid response.
• Exceptional skills in sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Grow student enrollment in academic programs within the KWS.
• Work with advising team, marketing staff, and faculty to identify recruiting opportunities to promote the KWS—high schools, community colleges, community organizations, etc.
• Retain students through planned retention programs.
• Identify emerging trends in hospitality education and workforce needs to inform program growth.
• Develop new partnerships with hospitality organizations to expand program offerings.
• Develop and maintain a strong advisory board.
• Advance relations with KWS alumni.
• Work with dean on tasks specific to, but not limited to, budget, course offerings, new program development, enrollment management, strategic planning, and related items.
• Provide service to the college, university, and profession.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive