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

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 candidates 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 candidates methodological expertise (e.g. quantitative and/or qualitative research methods).
4. Upper-division electives aligned with the candidates 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 candidates 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 andscholarship related to candidates 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 departments existing social media presence and digital outreach.

Salary

Anticipated Hiring Range: $90276- $98244/year $7523- $8187/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 Californias Proposition 209 (Art. I Section 31 of the California Constitution) other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws and CSUs 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.

Due to CSU policies the person hired must reside in the state of California at the position start date and for the entirety of the appointment.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Communication Studies or a closely related field at the time of appointment (degree completion expected no later than August 1 2026)
• Demonstrated success in undergraduate teaching
• Completed at least one graduate-level course related to social media and/ or strategic/ applied communication.
• Record of scholarship in social media and/or strategic communication using social science methodologies (i.e. quantitative and/or qualitative methods)
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity academic and inclusive excellence and student success in their scholarship/creative activities teaching and/or service
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication skills

For questions about the position please contact Dr. David Askay () search committee chair and professor; or Dr. Anuraj Dhillon () interim department chair and associate professor Communication Studies Department.