Director, School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
The University of Guelph invites applications and expressions of interest for the position of Director of the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
The University of Guelph has achieved prominence in Canada and around the world as a research-intensive and learner-centred university. Approximately 16,200 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students attend the University of Guelph to pursue 11 undergraduate and 45 graduate degree programs housed within its seven colleges. With 800 full-time faculty and approximately 2,000 full-time staff, Guelph’s annual operating budget exceeds $500 million.
The School of Hospitality & Tourism Management was established in 1969 as the School of Hotel and Food Administration and was the first unit to offer a major in the BComm program at Guelph. The School has since grown to become the pre-eminent School of its type in Canada and has also diversified its activities to include tourism. There is a large participation by students in its co-op programs which, along with well-established professional development programs, helps to maintain strong links with the hospitality industry.
At the graduate level, the MBA program has a field in hospitality and tourism management which can be taken on-campus or on-line. The proposed PhD in Management, recently approved by the University’s Senate, has a field in hospitality and tourism, and the School is also proposing an MSc degree. The School currently has 15 established faculty positions, and usually supports a number of contractually limited and sessional instructors. The School includes a fully functioning restaurant, through which students rotate as part of the restaurant operations courses. Although the restaurant is primarily a management simulator, it offers lunch and evening fine-dining service as part of the student experience. The School runs an Executive-in-Residence program and has a Policy Advisory Board composed of industry representatives. Further information is available at www.htm.uoguelph.ca
Ideal candidates for this position will be strategic leaders capable of raising the School’s profile to the international level. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Management and Economics, the Director is expected to contribute to a shared vision, lead the School in its continued excellence in teaching and service to industry, and build its research base. The Director is responsible for the overall operation of the School including curriculum and course development, allocation of teaching assignments, and assignment of staff duties. External and industry relations are very important for the School and the Director will be expected to continue to build alliances and partnerships. The Director will work to enhance the School’s resources through new programming and fundraising. Applicants to the position of Director should have a post-graduate qualification, preferably a PhD, or equivalent qualifications and experience, in hospitality, tourism or a related discipline, and should have a proven record of intellectual leadership, achievement in research, liaison with industry, and strong managerial skills.
The University of Guelph is committed to an employment equity program that includes special measures to achieve diversity among its faculty and staff. They therefore particularly encourage applications from qualified aboriginal Canadians, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and women. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
The search committee will begin reviewing applications in February 2008, with the appointment effective July 1, 2008. Applications, including a letter of introduction, curriculum vitae and five references (who will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate), should be submitted, in confidence, to:
Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
1 Yonge Street, Suite 1801
Toronto, ON M5E 1W7
guelphHTM@lavernesmith.com