Assistant Professor Journalism - Digital & Interactive Storytelling

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.

• Master's degree in journalism, media studies, communication or a related field, completed and conferred by time of appointment.
• Advanced multimedia storytelling skills.
• Commitment to experiential learning, equity and preparing students for evolving professional contexts.
• Proven ability to teach and mentor students effectively in higher education or professional training environments.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience in journalism or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

• Terminal degree in Journalism, Media Studies, Communication or a related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in audio OR video journalism.
• Experience applying artificial intelligence technologies in journalistic contexts and ability to guide students in ethical, effective AI-assisted reporting and production.
• Proficiency in photojournalism and design.
• University teaching experience with demonstrated ability to teach innovative storytelling for digital platforms.
• Experience developing curricula and/or interdisciplinary…