Sustainable Tourism Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM) in the College of Health and Human Development (HHD) at University Park seeks applicants for a 36-week non-tenure line teaching faculty member at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor starting August 2026.
RPTM prides itself in creating a strong learning environment for all students. The department culture around teaching can be described as inclusive, student-centered, and experiential. The ideal candidate will be able to teach in the RPTM core which includes courses related to programming, management, leadership, marketing, finance, governance and policy, risk management, or conceptual foundations within RPTM. Additionally, it is expected that candidates will have the ability to teach in one of the option areas in the department covering topics within commercial recreation, tourism, events, sport, recreation, adventure recreation, outdoor recreation, and/or park management. Finally, this candidate will also be responsible for conducting research that is connected within the context of RPTM.
Primary job responsibilities for this position include:

• Teach courses within the RPTM core and/or option areas (approximately 12 - 15 credits per year)
• Develop a research program within the context of the RPTM field that leads to peer-reviewed publications and external fundings
• Provide service to the department, college, and university, as well as to their profession.

Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or terminal degree at the time of hire. A degree in recreation, parks, tourism, hospitality, leisure, or a closely related field is required. Evidence of an active and focused research program is expected. Preference will be given to individuals who have a focused line of research in biomechanics and a record of publication. Applicants should be able to display evidence of engaged learning practices inside and outside the classroom. Competencies critical to success include the ability to build connections and work collaboratively with faculty in the department, college, and university, as well as external partners within the profession.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Informal inquiries or questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Lauren Duffy. To be considered for the position, candidates must complete an online application and upload (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) teaching statement (maximum one page), and (4) the names and contact information for three professional references.
About the Department:
The Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM) is one of eight departments in the college. The successful candidate should be able to contribute to the Department's mission is to positively affect the social, economic, and environmental health and well-being of people and places by engaging communities and individuals of all backgrounds through research-driven administration, leadership, and management of recreation, parks, tourism, and sport (https://hhd.psu.edu/rptm). This makes the department central to the College's mission and positions it well to continue to play an important role in advancing human health. RPTM provides four unique undergraduate degree options (Outdoor Recreation, Community Recreation, Commercial Recreation and Tourism, and Professional Golf Management), with approximately 350 majors per year at the University Park campus, as well as additional students across minors (e.g., Sustainability Leadership) and certificates (e.g., Certificate in Meetings and Event Management, Certificates in Professional Snow Sport Management). RPTM also offers two of the department's four undergraduate options online through Penn State's World Campus, with over 50 students currently enrolled. RPTM also has a strong graduate program averaging 30 graduate students per year. RPTM's 24 faculty and 9 professional staff take pride in leveraging research, teaching, service, and outreach to enhance the field of recreation, park, and tourism management.
About the College:
The College of Health and Human Development (HHD) offers a robust program of eight interdisciplinary programs that share one common goal: enriching the lives of others. We continually examine contemporary issues facing people in today's changing times, and we develop cutting-edge solutions for addressing them. Our impact extends from our classrooms, across communities and industries, and around the globe. Under the College leadership of Dean Craig Newschaffer, the college has outlined an innovative vision and strategic plan that emphasizes creating an environment to support student success while in college and beyond and growing the impact of the college's research scholarship.
About the University:
Penn State is a public, land-grant, research-intensive university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service. Its instructional mission includes undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education offered through resident instruction and online delivery. Annual enrollment at its commonwealth campuses totals close to 100,000 graduate and undergraduate students, making it one of the largest universities in the United States.
Located in Happy Valley Centre County, Pennsylvania, employment at Penn State offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the central Pennsylvania outdoors combined with all of the culture, sports, and entertainment a large university community can bring. More information on the area and all of its amenities can be found here: https://happyvalley.com/.
Our campuses are located on the original homelands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora), Lenape (Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe, Stockbridge-Munsee), Monongahela, Shawnee (Absentee, Eastern, and Oklahoma), Susquehannock, and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations. As a land grant institution, we acknowledge and honor the traditional caretakers of these lands and strive to understand and model their responsible stewardship. We also acknowledge the longer history of these lands and our place in that history.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines