Director, Destination SEMO - Economic and Workforce Development

Southeast Missouri State University

Salary: Depends on Qualifications

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number:

Location: Cape Girardeau, MO

Department: Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Closing: Continuous

Director, Destination SEMO

Division of Economic and Workforce Development

Full-Time

Position Summary

The Director of Destination SEMO provides leadership for a university-wide engagement initiative designed to position Southeast Missouri State University as a regional destination for learning, culture, athletics, events, workforce development, and community engagement.

The Director functions as the university's destination strategist, coordinating existing campus resources, experiences, partnerships, and visitor engagement efforts into a unified Destination SEMO framework. The position serves as a connector across corporate, academic, administrative, cultural, athletic, and community-based units to create exceptional experiences that strengthen recruitment, alumni engagement, economic impact, community relationships, lifelong learning participation, and institutional reputation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop the Destination SEMO vision and operational plan, based on the Fearlessly Forward strategic plan


• Implement programs, and initiatives that invite corporate and private organizations/associations on-to campus through space rental and specialty events


• Position SEMO as a leading regional destination for education, culture, athletics, conferences, workforce development, and community engagement


• Analyze trends, recommend strategies, and market opportunities for growth and revenue generation.


• Establish goals, priorities, and performance measures aligned with university objectives


• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to promote SEMO as a place to visit, experience, learn, and connect


• Develop partnership and sales opportunities that increase visibility, attendance, and regional impact


• Serve as the university advocate for visitor engagement and destination development initiatives


• Collaborate with campus and community partners to develop, integrate, package, and promote academic, cultural, athletic, recreational, and community experiences that encourage additional engagement


• Leverage programs, events, conferences, camps, and themed experiences to create marketable destination offerings that strengthen SEMO's appeal and regional impact


• Lead and coordinate a seamless visitor experience across campus by collaborating with university departments to enhance visitor services, engagement programs, wayfinding, communications, and support resources


• Ensure consistency of messaging across visitor-focused programs and experiences


• Develop and maintain systems to measure visitor engagement, attendance, participation, satisfaction, and economic impact, prepare reports for university leadership

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Tourism Management, Economic Development, Marketing, Communications, or a related field


• Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Higher Education, economic development, destination management, tourism, community engagement, workforce development


• Experience in destination marketing, tourism development, visitor experience management, or community engagement; experience working in a college or university environment is a plus


• Demonstrated success in building partnerships and leading collaborative initiatives


• Strong project management, communication (verbal and written), and organizational skills


• Demonstrated ability to measure outcomes and assess economic impact


• Experience leading cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives


• Experience actively engaging potential clients and customers in a sales capacity


• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional relationships within and external to the organization


• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information


• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and revenue sources

Required Information & Deadline

Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by August 20, 2026.

The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

Southeast Missouri State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and to the principles of affirmative action. In accordance with this commitment, and in compliance with the requirements of applicable laws, it is the policy of the University to provide equal opportunity for all applicants and employees in its employment practices, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. The University believes that a diverse University community advances the academic purposes of the University and enhances the working and learning environment.