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Colorado, United States
Onsite
Position Summary:
Job Description:
Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who is committed to student-centered learning, professional preparation, and inclusive, interdisciplinary education. This is an in-person, on-campus position on our vibrant residential campus in Gunnison, Colorado.
Located in the heart of Colorado’s world-renowned tourism and outdoor recreation region, Western offers students a one-of-a-kind environment to learn, lead, and grow. Surrounded by top ski resorts, national parks, boutique lodges, and adventure tourism hubs, students gain direct access to the very settings where hospitality excellence is both expected and tested — and these same lessons apply on a global scale. Students gain expertise in key areas such as marketing, human resources, real estate, finance, data analytics, and facilities management.
The standard teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year. The successful candidate will deliver engaging, well-designed courses in tourism and hospitality, including an introductory course, Resort Operations and Management, as well as other courses aligned with their expertise and departmental needs. The successful candidate will also work with faculty in the Business School to reimagine this program toward experience management (including sports, entertainment, and more). We especially value faculty who engage students in high-impact practices such as internships, research, community-based learning, and who participate in our Western Watershed General Education and First-Year Seminar Headwaters courses. We prepare students for a livelihood based on their values and aid students in gaining post-graduate opportunities.
The School of Business serves over 325 students across its majors and minors. Students can earn a degree in Business Administration and Economics, with emphases in energy management, finance, management, and marketing, combining rigorous academic preparation with high-impact experiential learning.
Western supports its faculty by fostering a collaborative and innovative academic community. Our Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) actively engages faculty, staff, and administrators in cross-campus initiatives designed to reimagine WCU’s educational landscape—rooted in diverse expertise and committed to continuous growth. The Professional Activity Fund (PAF) provides financial support for faculty engaged in research, artistic projects, grant writing, and other scholarly or creative activities, with three application opportunities each year.
Western’s faculty are teacher-scholars who contribute meaningfully to their discipline, the campus, our community, and beyond. We seek candidates who will actively support our institutional mission and strategic priorities, including:
Learn more about the department at: https://western.edu/department/school-of-business/
QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. or similar degree in the tourism and/or hospitality areas or related field is required. ABD considered for hire, completed degree required for tenure. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, excellence in teaching, and willingness to work with and be sensitive to the educational needs of all students. Also required is the ability for research and professional development within a related field of study, and experience in university service. Candidates must also be able to use technology in instructional delivery, including the ability to teach online and hybrid courses. Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate.
SALARY/BENEFITS: The annualized salary range for this position depends on incoming rank (assistant professor or associate professor), qualifications, and experience.
Western offers an excellent benefits package, including shared premiums for comprehensive health insurance, dental insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, and additional insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for eligible dependents enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.
START DATE: January 6, 2027 or August 16, 2027
APPLICATION: Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs. Required attachments to the application include: Letter of application, curriculum vitae, evidence of successful teaching and mentoring, evidence of successful scholarly or creative activity, and a reference list with names and contact information of three references, including from a current supervisor.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Please direct questions to Dr. Kevin Nelson, email: knelson@western.edu
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte
Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.
Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.
Western Colorado University encourages qualified candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS
It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:
Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.
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