JOURNALISM DEPARTMENT
The Journalism Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin August 17, 2026. Area of Specialization (AOS): audio-visual media. Area of Concentration (AOC): digital and interactive storytelling. The ideal candidate will have a combination of professional experience, university-level teaching experience, and research potential.
This position is designed to advance our program’s capacity to address both the future of media and current critical needs. We seek a candidate whose pedagogy bridges traditional journalism and emerging media platforms, preparing students for success across an evolving professional landscape. The role aligns with the Teacher-Scholar Model’s emphasis on innovation, high-impact teaching and the development of courses that foster creativity, entrepreneurial thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to curricular innovation, actively mentor students, and engage in scholarly, creative or professional activities. They must also be able to convey knowledge, design courses, and provide advising to a large and diverse student population in a way that provides access to all.
We currently have a rich set of course offerings related to the AOS, including Web Audio and Video, Visual Communication for the Mass Media, Podcasting, Social Media for Strategic Communication and others. Preferred qualifications include: willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with AOS, including course and program curriculum development; willingness to participate in student media advising; and willingness to develop courses in the AOS.
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.
Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.
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 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 QUALIFICATIONS
-
Master's degree in journalism, media studies, communication or a related field, completed and conferred by time of appointment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Journalism Department in the College of Liberal Arts offers a professional degree program that aligns practice with theory leading to a B.S. in Journalism. Graduates are prepared for careers in digital, print and broadcast journalism as well as public relations and media innovation. Journalism graduates also enter such fields as social media management, television production, advertising, marketing, law and public administration. Journalism students run the campus newspaper and its website and social and mobile platforms, operate the FM radio and TV stations and direct a public relations agency. The department’s website is https://journalism.calpoly.edu.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #552678. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:
-
(4) a Universal Student Success Statement: Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by the review begin date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered.
Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.
Projected Start Date: August 17, 2026
Review Begin Date: 02-06-2026. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.
For questions about the position please contact Kim Lisagor Bisheff via email at klisagor@calpoly.edu.