Department Head, Experience Industry Management

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo, California, is seeking a full-time 12-month department head for its Experience Industry Management Department.

This position has a starting date of no later than July 31, 2026. The Department Head is a faculty position and will provide leadership for all programmatic and administrative functions including instruction, research, and alumni and industry engagement. The Department Head leads a talented team of 7 tenure-track faculty members, 1 full-time lecturer, a pool of part-time lecturers, and 1 staff member who engage with approximately 381 undergraduate students enrolled in the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration major and 70 students enrolled in the Event Planning and Experience Management minor.

This position will provide leadership for the Experience Industry Management Department in the following areas:

• Faculty and staff hiring, development, mentoring, and workload assignments
• advancement and fundraising
• Management of budget, facilities, and departmental resources
• Departmental curriculum development, assessment, and strategic planning
• Equal-opportunity, accessibility, and nondiscrimination initiatives that foster a respectful and inclusive academic environment for all

The successful candidate will also teach undergraduate and potential graduate courses in the program through in-person, online, hybrid or other modalities as needed. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in scholarly activities (i.e., research, publishing, presenting, and grant or contract writing) as part of professional development. Additional duties will include mentoring students, and participating in University, College, and Departmental committees, service, and other activities.  The Cal Poly community believes in the "teacher-scholar model,” which emphasizes scholarly activities and teaching excellence.

Department Head appointments and 12-month assignments are made and continue at the pleasure of the College Dean. This is a tenured position within the Experience Industry Management Department. Appointments with tenure shall be made only after an evaluation and recommendation by tenured faculty in the appropriate department. Tenure is given only in the instructional portion of the position, which includes teaching, research, and service. Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Anticipated hiring ranges: 

• $155,000 - $165,000 for Associate Professor rank
• $175,000 - $185,000 for Full Professor rank

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, and is 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 and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all

REQUIRED QUALIFICAT