Hospitality and Tourism Management Full-Time Faculty

Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC), Abingdon, VA — Full-time, nine-month faculty position (contract begins January 1, 2027; start January 4, 2027). Hiring range $60,000–$80,000. Telework options available subject to business needs. Work schedule as required by the position. Position number 296F0065; posting FAC_2098P.

About the role

VHCC is a member of the Virginia Community College System, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, serving the City of Bristol, Washington County, and western Smyth County with over 3,000 students. The college seeks a dynamic, full‑time faculty member to provide academic leadership and deliver high‑quality instruction for a newly launched Hospitality and Tourism Management degree program. This inaugural hire will shape the curriculum, establish industry‑aligned learning outcomes, and foster experiential and applied learning opportunities. The successful candidate will teach courses in hospitality and tourism management, mentor students, collaborate with industry partners, and contribute to program development, assessment, and continuous improvement. Additional responsibilities include advising students, participating in departmental and institutional service, and supporting recruitment and accreditation efforts. This position is ideal for an innovative educator with industry experience who is passionate about building a forward‑looking academic program that prepares graduates for leadership in the hospitality and tourism sector. Reappointment will be based on performance evaluations and institutional needs. This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities

• Teach day, evening, seated, hybrid, and/or virtual courses
• Advise and mentor students throughout the academic program and those interested in related career paths
• Serve as a champion for recruiting and retaining students in the program
• Serve as Hospitality and Tourism Management program chair
• Engage in appropriate program assessment processes and strategies
• Actively employ effective student success strategies
• Integrate instructional technology in courses and the curriculum as appropriate
• Develop new courses as necessary
• Establish and assess student outcomes and participate in Institutional Effectiveness initiatives to include assessment and program reviews
• Record and report data as needed for potential grant funding
• Provide leadership and service on college committees
• Advance the college mission through involvement in college, community, and professional activities that enhance the college and impact student development
• Teach other courses matching qualifications and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Requirements

• Earned bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, tourism management, business, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum of five years’ relevant professional experience in the hospitality and/or tourism industry, with the ability to integrate practical, real‑world perspectives into coursework
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends, best practices, and emerging issues in hospitality and tourism management
• Experience building relationships with local restaurants, resorts, hotels, economic development organizations, and other hospitality/tourism employers in the region
• Demonstrated teaching or training experience with adult learners or strong potential for effective teaching in higher education
• Expressed willingness to develop and teach courses in‑person and via distance learning
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders important to the college

Preferred qualifications

• Earned master’s degree or