Assistant Professor of Agricultural Communication

The primary responsibility of this appointment is to prepare future professionals in agricultural communication through student-centered teaching, applied learning experiences, and industry-engaged scholarship.

The successful candidate will contribute primarily to undergraduate instruction in agricultural communication, with an emphasis on strategic communication, journalism, marketing and brand communication, public relations, science communication, and foundational communication theory within agricultural and natural resource contexts. Teaching responsibilities may include courses in areas such as social media strategy, public relations writing, crisis communication, audience analysis, communication campaigns, and current issues in agriculture, as well as other courses as assigned and deemed necessary by the department. Opportunities may also exist to collaborate with the Brock Center for Agricultural Communication and contribute to interdisciplinary instruction that supports other degree programs within the department.

The successful candidate will be expected to foster a learn-by-doing environment that emphasizes experiential learning, hands-on skill development, and applied problem-solving for the current communication market. Responsibilities may include supervising undergraduate senior projects, mentoring graduate students, advising student organizations and competitive teams, and supporting internships, field-based learning experiences, and industry partnerships that connect students with agricultural communication professionals and stakeholders.

The successful candidate is expected to participate in scholarly activities (e.g., research, grant writing, publications, presentations, and creative activities) as part of their professional development and contribute to advancing the field of agricultural communication via the Teacher-Scholar-Model. Scholarship should emphasize practical, applied research that addresses contemporary communication challenges in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities, particularly related to communicating complex issues to diverse public audiences.

The role also includes advising students, supporting co-curricular activities, engaging in department, college, and university service, and collaborating with colleagues, industry partners, and community stakeholders to ensure that academic programs remain responsive to the evolving communication needs of California’s agricultural industry.

Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring range:

Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156

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

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Agricultural Communication or a closely related field. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of the appointment.

Candidates must demonstrate, or show potential for, excellence in teaching, effective communication, interpersonal skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills. The ability to be a team player, interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the general public is essential. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Candidates must also demonstrate, or show potential for, an ability to secure external funding and publish research. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required. Strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching are required. A demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environments, is also required.

Training and experience in communications, journalism, marketing, and professional experience in effectively developing programs directed to communicating science to a wide variety of audiences. Particular attention will be afforded to candidates who have productive records of teaching and scholarly activity that would strengthen current department initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with experience teaching in a university or community college setting will receive priority consideration.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

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. At Cal Poly, tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.

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.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Agricultural Education and Communication Department at Cal Poly has approximately 155 undergraduate students in Agricultural Communication and 175 undergraduate students in Agricultural Science, 45 Master of Agricultural Education candidates, and seven full­-time faculty who teach in the areas of agricultural teacher education and agricultural communications.

The Brock Center for Agricultural Communication is housed within the Agricultural Education and Communication Department and serves as the laboratory for students to develop their writing, social media, and verbal communication skills. Agricultural Education and Communication faculty and students work closely with the Brock Center for Agricultural Communication. The Brock Center was established in 1986 and is managed by the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (C.A.F.E.S.) with input from the College of Liberal Arts (C.L.A.). The mission of the Brock Center is to create a bridge of communication between the agricultural industry, the media, and the public.

HOW TO APPLY

Review will begin on September 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by that date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered. Interested candidates must attach (1) cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts of the highest degree, (4) goals and plans for research 5) Universal Student Success Statement (prompt below), and (6) at least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application.

*Universal Student Success Statement Prompt- 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.

Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of recommendation. The selected candidate will be required to provide sealed official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration.

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.

Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Ben Swan via email to bswan@calpoly.edu.