Unlocking Career Pathways in Griffith University's Department of Tourism and Marketing

The Department of Tourism and Marketing at Griffith University stands as a powerhouse within the Griffith Business School, offering a dynamic environment where professionals can blend academic rigor with real-world impact in fields like tourism, hospitality, events, sport management, and marketing. Nestled across campuses in Nathan (Brisbane) and Southport (Gold Coast), Queensland, this department attracts ambitious individuals passionate about shaping the future of global industries. With its top rankings—number one in Australia for research in marketing and hospitality and tourism according to the 2026 Australian Research Magazine, and first in Queensland for hospitality and tourism in the QS World University Rankings—this hub provides unparalleled opportunities for career growth.

Working here means contributing to education that equips students with industry-ready skills while engaging in cutting-edge research that influences policy and business practices worldwide. Whether you're an early-career lecturer eyeing professorship or a seasoned researcher seeking collaborative projects, the department fosters an inclusive culture that values innovation, sustainability, and work-life balance.

The Academic Ladder: Roles from Lecturer to Professor

Academic positions form the backbone of the Department of Tourism and Marketing, where educators double as researchers and industry influencers. Entry-level roles like Lecturer involve delivering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas such as destination marketing, consumer behavior, sustainable tourism, and event management. These positions typically require a PhD or equivalent, teaching experience, and a budding research profile.

As you advance to Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor, responsibilities expand to include leading research projects, supervising Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, and securing grants. Professors, such as Head of Department Professor Scott Weaven or Director of Research (Tourism) Distinguished Professor James Higham, helm strategic initiatives, publish in top journals, and forge international partnerships.

The department boasts a diverse academic team, including experts like Professor Susanne Becken in sustainable tourism, Associate Professor Xin Jin as HDR Convenor, and Professor Brent Moyle, who guides PhD candidates through impactful theses on topics from climate-resilient tourism to AI in hospitality. Salaries are competitive, aligned with Australia's Enterprise Agreement for universities, often starting around AUD 110,000 for lecturers and exceeding AUD 180,000 for professors, plus 17% superannuation.

• Develop course materials blending theory with practical case studies from Queensland's tourism hotspots like the Gold Coast.
• Mentor HDR students—over 50 active in the department—on publications and conference presentations.
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, such as those linking tourism with environmental sciences.

Research Excellence at the Heart of Careers

Research is a cornerstone of working in this department, powered by affiliations with world-class centers. The Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT), Australia's largest tourism research institute with 130+ members, ranks number one nationally and sixth globally (Shanghai Rankings 2024). Researchers here tackle themes like climate change action, resilient tourism, visitor analytics, and events management.

Other hubs include Social Marketing @ Griffith—the world's largest university-based center—SAGE @ Griffith for sport gender equity, and specialized groups on advertising, customer experience, technology privacy, and agribusiness. Recent projects, like the Fire Impacts and Responses initiative gathering bushfire stories for resilience-building exhibitions, demonstrate applied impact funded by government disaster recovery programs.

Research Fellows and Postdocs thrive, contributing to consultancies for Tourism Australia or the UN World Tourism Organization. Opportunities abound for PhD scholarships, such as those creating safer sport communities, blending rural-urban perspectives with policy recommendations.

Professional and Administrative Support Roles

Beyond academia, the department relies on skilled professional staff in roles like Program Directors, Engagement Officers, and Administrative Support. Dr Anita Love, for instance, directs masters programs in Marketing and International Tourism and Hotel Management, ensuring curriculum alignment with industry needs.

These positions involve coordinating study tours—like the 7-day South Pacific cruise immersing students in cruise operations and sustainability—or managing HDR programs. Professional staff enjoy the same benefits as academics, with pathways to leadership in university-wide initiatives.

Administrative roles support daily operations, from event logistics to research grant administration, offering stable careers with flexible hours and professional development.

Photo by Ravi N Jha on Unsplash

A Day in the Life: Balancing Teaching, Research, and Impact

Imagine starting your day at the Gold Coast campus, preparing a lecture on digital storytelling for tourism marketing, inspired by recent work with Balinese weavers preserving heritage through tech (Griffith News). Mid-morning, you meet HDR students to refine theses on weather impacts on tourism demand.

Afternoon brings collaboration with GIFT colleagues on virtual tourism hybrids, as explored in a May 2026 study on reshaping travel futures. Evenings might involve industry networking or grant writing. Flexible arrangements allow remote work, supporting Queensland's vibrant lifestyle.

Employee Benefits and University Culture

Griffith University shines in employee satisfaction, with Glassdoor ratings of 4.4/5 for work-life balance and 4.1/5 for culture. Benefits include 17% superannuation via UniSuper, salary packaging, four health plans, generous leave, and study support for further qualifications.

The inclusive environment champions diversity—Indigenous employment networks, LGBTQIA+ support, and disability accommodations—fostering a values-driven community focused on excellence and societal impact. Career mobility across campuses and schools adds variety.

• Flexible hybrid work models post-pandemic.
• Professional development workshops and conference funding.
• Wellness programs emphasizing mental health and sustainability.

Career Progression and Development Opportunities

Progression is structured yet flexible. Lecturers advance via research outputs, teaching excellence, and service. HDR Convenors like Associate Professor Sara Thaichon (Marketing) mentor the next generation, building leadership portfolios.

University-wide programs offer leadership training, with many staff transitioning to roles in GIFT or international collaborations with partners like Hong Kong Polytechnic or Air New Zealand. Testimonials highlight contracts evolving to permanency, with strong job security.

Industry Engagement and Global Networks

Staff engage deeply with industry through partnerships with the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, Property Council, and Tourism Events Queensland. Study tours to Italy and Dubai expose teams to destination management, enhancing networks.

Consultancies provide revenue and real-world testing for research, from economic modeling to risk assessments, positioning staff as sought-after experts.

Photo by Yogendra Singh on Unsplash

Teaching and Student Impact

Educators deliver majors in high-demand areas, preparing graduates for roles in destination marketing, event planning, and sport organizations. Experiential learning, like cruise tours analyzing supply chains and passenger experiences, creates memorable careers.

Supervising diverse HDR cohorts—from influencer marketing to skin lightening prevention—builds supervisory expertise and publications.

Future Outlook: Thriving in a Changing Landscape

As tourism rebounds post-pandemic, with virtual-physical hybrids emerging, the department eyes growth in sustainable practices and tech integration. Rankings and partnerships signal expanding roles, especially in climate-resilient strategies aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Prospective applicants should monitor Griffith's job portal for openings in lecturing, research, and support, tailoring applications to research strengths and industry passion.