Assistant Professor of Communication in Social Media and Strategic Communication (26/27)

Communication Studies Department 

The California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Department of Communication Studies invites applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor with a specialization in social media strategy and analytics. We especially welcome candidates whose work intersects with one or more of the following areas: crisis and risk communication, health communication, and human-machine communication (particularly Artificial Intelligence). Candidates whose research, teaching, or professional experience engages with contexts outside the U.S. are strongly encouraged to apply. We are seeking a colleague who can integrate theoretical instruction with hands-on, applied learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in social media and digital communication, using current tools, strategies, and trends employed by professionals across sectors such as marketing, media, health, and technology. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching and developing courses in social media content creation and related areas.

The successful candidate’s teaching responsibilities will include:

1. Introductory communication courses, such as our major orientation course or public speaking course.
2. One or more of our 200-level foundational courses, including communication theory, organizational communication, media studies, and/or small group communication.
3. 300-level research methods course(s) aligned with the candidate’s methodological expertise (e.g., quantitative and/or qualitative research methods).
4. Upper-division electives aligned with the candidate’s expertise. Candidates will also have the opportunity to propose new courses such as Social Media Content Creation, Digital Marketing, Brand Communication and Analytics, and/or other courses within the candidate’s area(s) of expertise.
5. A 400-level Senior Seminar course and Senior Project course for graduating majors.

Non-instructional duties will include:

1. Engaging in research and scholarship related to candidate’s area of expertise.
2. Engaging in service and academic advising/mentorship of undergraduate students.
3. Advising students’ extracurricular activities related to departmental social media and content creation.
4. Opportunities to enhance and expand our department’s existing social media presence and digital outreach.

Salary 

Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month

(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.) 

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations