Assistant Professor Journalism - Digital & Interactive Storytelling

• Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track 1

Central California

• San Luis Obispo 1

Appointment Type

Bargaining Unit

Job Search Category/Discipline

• Faculty - Letters/Humanities 1

• On-site (work in-person at business location) 1

Apply now Job no: 552678
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Letters/Humanities, Tenured/Tenure-Track, On-site (work in-person at business location)

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, 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-impactteachingand the development of courses that foster creativity, entrepreneurialthinkingand interdisciplinary collaboration.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to curricular innovation, actively mentor students, and engage in scholarly,creativeor 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 Mediafor Strategic Communication and others. Preferred qualificationsinclude:willingness toparticipatein interdisciplinary programs overlapping with AOS, including course and program curriculum development; willingness toparticipatein student media advising; and willingness to develop courses in the AOS.

(Note that hiring level will becommensuratewith 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 facultyestablishan active program of research and professional development.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Polyanticipatesapossible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty maybe assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. Thetwo-semester sequence willconstitutethe regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester foradditionalcompensation, 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,ethnicityor national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Polyprovidesequal 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…