Assistant Professor of Practice, Beverage Operations

Assistant Professor of Practice, Beverage Operations

Location: School of Hotel Restaurant Mgt
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 607611
Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Workplace Culture

NAU aims to be the nation's preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.

About NAU

Northern Arizona University serves almost 30,000 students. We are a vibrant community, with 21,000 students in Flagstaff-the home of our largest campus-and the remainder online or at our 20+ statewide locations. Our institution has carefully integrated on-campus education with distance learning, forming seamless avenues for students to earn degrees.

Committed to an inclusive university environment, NAU has all the benefits of a large institution with a personal touch. We carefully balance teaching, scholarship, and service for faculty members. Supporting our core value of student-centrism, NAU's faculty members promote learning and help students reach academic milestones.

Flagstaff is an outdoorsy mountain town with four seasons and a thriving cultural scene. Located at 7,000 feet, Flagstaff houses 70,000 people and sits at the base of the sacred San Francisco Peaks.

For more about inclusive excellence at NAU, visit the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access .

About the Department/College

Northern Arizona University's (NAU) ACPHA accredited and ranked School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) is situated within the AACSB accredited W.A. Franke College of Business (FCB). Launched in 1986, the HRM program was intentionally designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities for emerging hospitality professionals to be an engine of economic opportunity for the growing hospitality industry in Arizona and the surrounding areas. That work continues today. With over 5,000 graduates, HRM is committed to the success of our students, alumni, team, program, and hospitality industry community. We do this by providing continuously adapting curriculum, by investing in vibrant and experienced team members, by designing spaces where students can learn experientially, and by committing to the success of our alumni and hospitality community. Our diverse, 35+ member team supports the work of serving 400 current students of hosting two major fundraising events (Casino Night and Golf Tournament) and two major Career Fairs (40+ employers), as well as of providing ongoing support for alumni. Our multi-million-dollar culinary lab is designed with modern equipment to prepare students to meet tomorrow's challenges. Lastly, our study abroad programs offer opportunities for travel and learning around the world. We are passionate about our program, and we are excited to welcome the right person to help us continue our growth and impact.

About the Position

The HRM Beverage Operations position for the program serves as the lead expert in beverage knowledge and operations including wine, spirits, mixology, beer, coffee, and tea. The Professor will work collaboratively with the HRM team to curate successful, experiential beverage operations courses including the management and tasting of wine, spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. This will be accomplished through innovative and impactful teaching approaches, through real-world and hands-on opportunities, through blurring the lines of the classroom by inviting community into the classroom and by sending students out into the community to practice beverage skills. The Professor will teach beverage courses that are dynamic, engaging and intentionally designed to foster a sense of curiosity, purpose, and value.

Responsibilities Include:
  • This position will teach up to twelve credit hours of courses in each of the fall and spring semesters. Opportunities are possible to teach both in winter and summer semesters for additional income. In general, this position will be teaching beverage and restaurant operations courses including labs.
  • This position will lead the HRM beverage and restaurant operations curriculum by working closely with industry and advisory board members by inviting hospitality professionals as guest speakers in classes, and engaging in local, regional, and national community outreach.
  • The position will be able to teach a variety of HRM courses related to beverage and restaurant topics, as well as one of the following FCB vertical areas: Restaurant Operations, Beverage Production and Service, Global Issues in Hospitality, and Resort Operations.
  • This position will oversee and grow the beverage lab space and assist with the safety and sanitation of the culinary lab and HRM cafe spaces in accordance with Coconino County health and safety standards.
  • Other duties as assigned by the HRM Executive Director.

This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.***

Minimum Qualifications

  • Earned master's degree in hospitality or related field from an accredited institution
  • Minimum 5 years' experience as Beverage Director or similar role in hospitality industry.
  • ServSafe, TIPS, or any equivalent recognized Alcohol Certification.
  • Specialization in the field of beverage operations including beverage management, mixology, beverage marketing, and hospitality management.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrate commitment to student success through effectiveness in teaching and other student-related responsibilities or show promise of such effectiveness if the candidate has no prior teaching experience.
  • Three or more years as beverage educator in an accredited hospitality program.
  • ServSafe instructor and proctor certifications.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead profitable beverage operations as owner or Beverage Director.
  • Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas.


Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Teaching:
    • Ability to design and develop curriculum materials, including syllabi, lesson plans, and teaching materials that align with industry standards and academic requirements.
    • Communication skills to convey complex concepts to students in a clear and engaging manner.
    • Ability to engage students through interactive and practical teaching methods, including hands-on training, case studies, and industry projects.
    • Proficiency in evaluation and grading student performance and providing feedback for improvement.
  • Management and Leadership:
    • Ability to lead and mentor students
    • Ability to manage administrative tasks such as student club management and committee participation.
  • Interpersonal:
    • Ability to collaborate with colleagues, students, and industry partners for the benefit of the academic program and students.
    • Understand and respect diverse cultures and backgrounds, particularly in the field of hospitality and beverage operations.
  • Passion for Teaching:
    • Enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring students in the beverage operations field.
  • Professional Ethics:
    • Adherence to ethical standards and practices, especially when teaching in the fields that involve alcohol service and management.
  • Flexibility:
    • Ability to adapt to changing teaching methods, technologies, and industry trends.


Driving Requirement

Driving a vehicle on behalf of the university is anticipated to be a regular part of this position. Arizona Administrative Code Fleet Safety Policy requires all employees who drive on university business become authorized by submitting Driver's license information for driving record monitoring, and completion of training appropriate to the level of driving performed. The law applies to all faculty, staff, and students who drive personal or university-owned motorized vehicles for any business purpose. More information on the NAU Authorized Driver Policy can be found on the NAU website.

Compensation & Benefits

Commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

This is a Faculty (FAC) position. NAU offers an excellent benefit package including generous health, dental and vision insurance; participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP); sick leave accruals and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members. More information on benefits at NAU is available at the NAU HR benefits page . Faculty are hired on a contract basis, renewable according to terms of the Conditions of Faculty Service . Employees offered a position will be eligible for state health plans (including NAU's BCBS Plan). Employees will have 31 days from date of hire to enroll in benefits, and their benefits will then be effective the first day of the pay period following their completed enrollment. If a new employee chooses the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) retirement option, participation in the ASRS Plan (and the long-term disability coverage that accompanies it) will begin on the first of the pay period following 183 days of employment. New employees who choose to participate in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP; an alternative to the ASRS plan) will begin to participate on the first day of the pay period following election. The long-term disability plan that accompanies the ORP will begin on the first day of the pay period following election. More information about NAU benefits is available at the NAU HR benefits page .

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report . The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Suppt/Sponsorship

NAU will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

FLSA Status

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Submit Your Application

Vacancy will remain open until filled. Applications received before January 8, 2024 will receive full consideration.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button at the end of the job description (if viewing this position through the NAU HR website). Otherwise, to view the original post and to apply, proceed to nau.jobs , follow the 'Current Openings' link, locate vacancy 607611, and then "Apply" at the bottom of the page.

Application must include (saved as PDF and/or Word documents):
  • a cover letter highlighting your particular qualifications for this position;
  • a curriculum vitae; and
  • names and contact information for three references.

  • Please do not include any other documents.

    If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the HR website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

    If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu , or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

    Equal Employment Opportunity

    Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

    Know Your Rights Poster

    NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.

    To apply, visit https://hr.peoplesoft.nau.edu/psp/ph92prta/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=2&JobOpeningId=607611&PostingSeq=1

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