Assistant Professor Journalism - Digital & Interactive Storytelling

Assistant Professor – Journalism:
Digital & Interactive Storytelling (26/27)

Join to apply for the Assistant Professor Journalism - Digital & Interactive Storytelling (26/27) role at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo. The position is full‑time, academic‑year, tenure‑track and will begin August 17, 2026.

The Journalism Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for an Assistant Professor. 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.

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.

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.

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,…