Executive Director, Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management

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 main priorities are as follows: 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, the following: budget, course offerings, new program development, enrollment management, strategic planning, and related items. Provide service to the college, university, and profession.
The College of Health and Human Sciences (https://www.memphis.edu/healthsciences/) offers the B.S. degree in Health Studies with concentrations in Health Sciences; Dietetics; Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences; Healthcare Leadership; and Human Nutrition; the B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management; the B.A degree in Hospitality and Resort Management (through the KWS); and the B.S.Ed. degree in Physical Education Teacher Education. The college also offers the M.S. degree in Health Studies with concentrations in Exercise Nutrition; Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences; Lifestyle Medicine; and Physical Education Teacher Education. A second M.S. degree is offered in Sport Commerce, with a third M.S. degree offered in Nutrition with concentrations in Integrated Nutrition; Environmental Nutrition; and Nutrition Science. The college also offers PhD programs in Applied Biomechanics and Applied Physiology and Nutrition, as well as the Doctor of Physical Therapy. There are approximately 1900 undergraduate and graduate majors within CHHS. The University of Memphis is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research 1 Institution, one of only three in the state of TN. It has a diverse population of approximately 20,000 students including approximately 4,000 graduate students.
A minimum of an earned master’s degree in the field of Hospitality or a closely related area and significant experience in the hospitality industry, including leadership and management, commensurate with an appointment as a non-tenure track Professor of Practice. Some experience in academia is preferred, inclusive of scholarly productivity, excellence in teaching, and commitment to university service. Exceptional skills in the following areas are desired: written and verbal communication, critical and innovative thinking, budget management, opportunity identification, networking, cross-functional collaboration, adaptability, resourcefulness, attention to detail, organization, time management, follow through, rapid response, and sound judgment.
The review of completed applications will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is filled. Only applications submitted electronically at WorkforUM Careers will be considered. Applicants are required to upload (1) a cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the position, (2) curriculum vitae/resume, (3) academic transcript and (4) three professional references (name and contact information) from colleagues who can address the applicant’s professional preparation for this position. Applicants should receive a confirmation number when all application materials are received. For questions about this position please contact Dr. Michael Hutchinson, Search Committee Chair, at [email hidden].
Working Conditions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear.

• The employee frequently is required to walk.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

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.