Tourism Development Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The University of South Florida's (USF) Muma College of Business invites applications for the tenure-track position of Assistant/Associate Professor in the School of Hospitality and Sport Management.  The School of Hospitality and Sport Management is the result of a recent merger Hospitality & Tourism Management with the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program. 

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management and strong academic credentials and will be able to demonstrate the ability and the potential to publish in top hospitality journals.  The successful candidate should also be able to effectively teach courses in hospitality management and should demonstrate the ability to fully support the school's development efforts. 

Ranked #12 in the nation among university Hospitality and Tourism programs, The School of Hospitality and Sport Management (SHSM) at USF provides an intellectual, collaborative, ethical, and welcoming learning environment for students pursuing leadership positions in hospitality, tourism, sport, and entertainment management throughout the world. SHSM offers a hospitality degree at all three USF campuses (Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee). This includes a BS and MS in Hospitality Management and a MS in Sport Management along with an undergraduate hospitality minor and two certificate programs in event management and beverage management.  SHSM leverages deep relationships with the business community, including McKibbon Hospitality (with a portfolio of over 100 hotels across 20 premier brands, plus several restaurants) and Mainsail Lodging & Development (specializing in upscale lifestyle hotels and resorts), among others.   

The Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program (VSEM) ranks #4 in the world and #1 in Florida among sport and entertainment management programs. Students in this two-year Tampa-based graduate program earn both an MBA in Sport Business and an M.S. in Sport & Entertainment Management, while achieving nearly a 100% placement rate post-graduation. Undergraduate students may pursue a minor in sport and entertainment management. VSEM enjoys strong partnerships with major sports and entertainment properties in the region, e.g., Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, Fanatics, and Seminole Hard Rock Casino. 

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. with a major or concentration in hospitality & tourism management or a related field from an accredited university before the start of employment.

Primary Considerations:

1. A Ph.D. with a major or concentration in hospitality & tourism management or a related field from an accredited university before the start of employment.
2. Evidence of the ability to produce high-quality research.
3. Evidence of research activity and the potential to publish in top journals in hospitality and tourism management or related field.
4. The ability to teach hospitality management or related business courses at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Other Qualifications:

1. Evidence of ability to make service contributions to the university and the profession.
2. Expectation that the candidate will be collegial.
3. Reputation of program granting the candidate's degree.
4. Reputation of program(s) and organizations where candidate has been employed, including the candidate's current employer.