Destination Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University seeks to hire a tenure-track Assistant Professor with specialization in recreation management. We seek candidates whose scholarship and teaching focus on recreation, leisure, sport, tourism, community development, outdoor recreation, visitor experiences, destination management, recreation planning, sustainable recreation and tourism systems, or related areas. Preference will be given to candidates whose work demonstrates strong engagement with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, community partners, and private-sector recreation and tourism organizations. We are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to community-engaged scholarship, applied research, and high-impact experiential learning opportunities for students.

Apply via PageUp by November 1, 2026.

The L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to preparing future leaders in hospitality, recreation, tourism, and sport industries. Located in one of the world's premier recreation and tourism destinations, the School emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, leadership development, and applied scholarship that addresses contemporary challenges facing local, regional, and global communities. The School is particularly committed to advancing sustainable and inclusive recreation, sport, and tourism systems that enhance community well-being, social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and quality of life. This position represents an opportunity to contribute to a collaborative academic community dedicated to generating impactful scholarship and preparing future professionals to address the opportunities and challenges facing recreation, sport, and tourism organizations worldwide. To learn more, please visit https://htm.sdsu.edu/

Required qualifications by date of application

• A record of original research / scholarly / creative accomplishments and demonstrated capacity to a) develop a vigorous and independent program of research / scholarship / creative activity, b) teach graduate and undergraduate courses; and c) engage in both campus and professional service activities.

• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two (2) or more of the "Building on Inclusive Excellence" criteria. 

Required qualifications by date of hire:  

• Terminal degree in Recreation Management, Leisure Studies, Tourism Management, Sport Management, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, Sociology, Geography, or a closely related field, with all degree requirements met.

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in recreation, leisure, sport, tourism, community development, outdoor recreation, recreation planning, parks and protected area management, destination management, visitor experience management, sustainable tourism and destination stewardship, sport for development, event and festival management, leisure behavior, or related fields.

• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and/or external funding.

• Demonstrated proficiency in interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to research, teaching, and service.

• Experience working with public-sector agencies, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and/or private-sector recreation and tourism enterprises.

• Demonstrated experience conducting community-engaged scholarship, applied research, participatory research, or other forms of collaborative inquiry with external partners.

• Potential for securing extramural funding and developing community-engaged research partnerships.

• University-level teaching experience, including teaching students from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to direct advanced undergraduate and/or graduate student research.

• Experience developing and implementing high-impact educational practices, experiential learning opportunities, and community-engaged projects.

• Experience developing and maintaining partnerships that create internship, fieldwork, service-learning, or applied research opportunities for students.

Apply via PageUp by November 1, 2026, providing the following materials: 

• Cover letter, indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and  "Building on Inclusive Excellence" criteria

• Curriculum vita

• 2 letters of recommendation with referee contact details

The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. The anticipated salary range is from $99,000 to $102,000. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable "OneSDSU" community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to.  Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.