Montana State University

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25076

For questions regarding this position, please contact: 

Professor Frank Kerins, Jr.

406-994-4692

fkerins@montana.edu

Classification Title 

Working Title Academic Program Director and (Open Rank) Professor of Hospitality Management

Brief Position Overview 

Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship is launching an exciting new Hospitality Management Program and seeks a visionary Program Director and (Open Rank) Professor to shape its future. This is a unique opportunity to develop innovative courses, build industry partnerships, and inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders—all while living in the breathtaking surroundings of Bozeman, MT. Join us in creating a world-class program that blends academic excellence with real-world impact in one of the country’s top destinations for business and adventure!

Faculty Tenure Track Yes

Faculty Rank Associate/Full Professor

Position Number 4A5115

Department Jabs College of Business Instruct

Division College of Business

Appointment Type Faculty

Contract Term Academic Year

Semester 

If other, specify From date 

If other, specify End date 

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type MUS

If other, please specify 

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement 

The Academic Program Director and (Open Rank) Professor in Hospitality Management will lead the development, implementation, and growth of Montana State University’s new Hospitality Management Program within the Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship. This position is responsible for implementing an innovative curriculum, fostering industry partnerships, recruiting and mentoring students, and ensuring academic excellence aligned with the College’s mission. The successful candidate will engage in teaching, research, and service, contributing to the program’s long-term success while enhancing the university’s reputation in hospitality education. With a focus on experiential learning and industry collaboration, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of hospitality education in one of the nation’s most dynamic and scenic locations.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Program Leadership & Development

• Lead the strategic vision and growth of the Hospitality Management Program, ensuring alignment with the mission and goals of the Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship.
• Implement an innovative curriculum that integrates experiential learning, industry best practices, and emerging trends in hospitality management.
• Develop industry partnerships with hospitality leaders, businesses, and organizations to enhance program offerings, internships, and career opportunities for students.
• Oversee program accreditation efforts and ensure compliance with university policies and industry standards.

Teaching & Student Engagement

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in hospitality management, delivering high-quality, student-centered instruction.
• Incorporate experiential learning through case studies, industry projects, site visits, and guest speakers.
• Advise and mentor students, guiding them on academic and career paths within the hospitality industry.

Research & Scholarship

• Conduct impactful research in hospitality management, contributing to peer-reviewed journals, industry publications, and thought leadership.
• Pursue external funding and grants to support research, program development, and industry collaborations.

Industry & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with hospitality professionals to create opportunities for student internships, job placements, and applied learning experiences.
• Develop and support executive education, certificate programs, and continuing education initiatives to serve hospitality professionals and businesses.
• Engage in outreach efforts to promote the program at the local, national, and international levels.

College & University Service

• Collaborate with faculty and administrators within the College of Business & Entrepreneurship to integrate the hospitality program into the broader business curriculum.
• Serve on college and university committees to contribute to institutional decision-making and program enhancement.
• Actively participate in recruitment and retention efforts to grow student enrollment and build a program that welcomes students from all backgrounds.

1. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
2. Doctorate (Ph.D.) or terminal degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Tourism Management, or a closely related field from an accredited institution (ABD candidates will be considered with an expected completion date before the start of employment).
3. Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in hospitality management, business, or related disciplines.
4. A record of scholarly research that contributes to the field of hospitality management, including publications in peer-reviewed journals.
5. Experience with or willingness to engage in program development, curriculum design, and academic leadership.
6. Strong industry knowledge and professional engagement in the hospitality sector.
7. Commitment to student success, mentorship, and experiential learning through internships, industry projects, and applied coursework.
8. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
9. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
10. Leadership experience in higher education or industry, such as program director, department chair, or senior management role in the hospitality sector.
11. Experience developing and launching new academic programs, particularly in hospitality management or related fields.
12. Demonstrated ability to secure external funding, such as research grants, industry sponsorships, or philanthropic support.
13. Experience in curriculum innovation, incorporating experiential learning, case-based teaching, and technology-driven approaches to hospitality education.
14. Relevant industry certifications or credentials (e.g., Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), or equivalent).
15. Established relationships with hospitality industry leaders, including hotel groups, tourism boards, food service enterprises, or event management organizations.
16. Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, working with business, sustainability, tourism, or entrepreneurship programs to enhance hospitality education.

• The Successful Candidate Will
• Demonstrate visionary leadership with the ability to develop and execute a strategic plan for the Hospitality Management Program.
• Foster collaboration and teamwork, working effectively with faculty, students, industry partners, and university administrators.
• Adapt to a dynamic and evolving field, staying current with trends in hospitality and business education.
• Show a strong commitment to student success, creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment that prepares students for careers in the hospitality industry.
• Exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal skills, engaging with stakeholders across academia, industry, and the community from all backgrounds.
• Balance multiple responsibilities effectively, including teaching, research, industry engagement, and program leadership.
• Display entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving skills, identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and partnerships within the program.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and a global perspective, recognizing the international nature of the hospitality industry.
• Show resilience and flexibility, responding to challenges and opportunities with creativity and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Inspire and mentor students and colleagues, fostering a culture of professional growth, innovation, and excellence.

Position Special Requirements/Additional InformationRequired Application Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Statement (max 2 pages)
• Research Statement (max 2 pages)
• Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical DemandsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The ProgramThe Hospitality Management Program at Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship is designed to develop innovative, business-savvy leaders in the global hospitality industry. Grounded in experiential learning and industry collaboration, the program integrates hospitality operations, service excellence, and entrepreneurship. Students gain real-world experience through partnerships with top hospitality organizations, internships, and hands-on coursework. With a focus on cutting-edge trends and strategic management, the program prepares graduates to excel in dynamic careers across hotels, restaurants, event planning, and beyond—leveraging Montana’s thriving tourism industry as a living classroom.

The Department

The CollegeThe Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship (Jabs) at Montana State University is a dynamic and forward-thinking business school committed to excellence in education, research, and industry engagement. Offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Jabs prepares students to become strategic thinkers and ethical leaders in an evolving global business landscape. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, the college fosters innovation through industry partnerships, hands-on projects, and entrepreneurial initiatives. Located in Bozeman, Montana, a hub for outdoor adventure and economic growth, Jabs provides a unique environment where students and faculty can thrive academically and professionally while enjoying an exceptional quality of life.

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date August 2025

Position End Date (if temporary) 

Open Date 

Close Date 

Applications will be: 

Screening of applications will begin on April 8, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions 

EEO Statement 

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

FLSA Status Exempt

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