Assistant Professor in Advertising

San José State University • San Jose, CA

1d • $90,000 - $94,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Journalism and Mass Communications at San José State University is seeking a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Advertising to begin in August 2027. The ideal candidate will possess both professional expertise and scholarly insight in advertising, with a specific focus on emerging technologies and AI. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong record (or potential) in teaching, research, and creative work at the intersection of advertising, technology, and society. Industry experience, the ability to engage students through project-based learning, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion are highly valued. The new hire will contribute to preparing students for the future of media and advertising in Silicon Valley and beyond. The School of Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC) offers programs in advertising, public relations, journalism, and mass communications, leveraging Silicon Valley's innovative culture. As an Adobe Creative Campus with a developing VR and Emerging Technologies Lab, JMC provides opportunities in media, AI, and immersive storytelling. Faculty actively lead research and practice in emerging technologies. San José State University is committed to advancing equity and serves a diverse student population, including many historically underserved, first-generation, and Pell Grant recipients. SJSU is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), aiming to create holistic learning environments that foster transformation. We seek teacher-scholars who create inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning and knowledge exchange. Applicants are encouraged to include a Statement of Institutional Excellence, detailing how their experiences contribute to the SJSU community and student success.

Requirements

• MA or MFA in Advertising, Graphic/Communication Design or other related disciplines
• Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population as might have been gained in cross-cultural study, training, teaching, and other comparable experience.

Nice To Haves

• PhD or MFA terminal degree are preferred; however, applicants holding a Master’s degree with substantial industry experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Experience working with emerging technologies as part of a creative workflow.
• Experience with, primarily, Adobe tools, and other creative tools with a focus on AI driven and generative production.
• Knowledge of the integration of AI and other emerging media in the advertising and PR industries with a particular focus on creative practice.
• A developed or developing research or creative agenda that focuses on the application of AI in creative production workflows, and/or the ethical and sustainability issues surrounding the application of said technologies.

Responsibilities

• Integrating AI and emerging technologies in existing courses on both the Creative and the Management tracks of the Advertising program as well as courses taken by the PR students and the Advertising Marcom track.
• Developing new courses that address the ethical and sustainability issues surround the wholesale adaptation of AI and emerging technologies in the communication design and creative industries.
• Collaborate with SJSU’s Advanced Institute for Ethical Technology (ai-et) to transform narratives around technology through creative practice and humanistic inquiry.
• Participate in shared governance, usually in department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
• Organize all classes within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).
• Demonstrate awareness and experience in understanding the needs of a student population of great diversity – in age, abilities, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, economic background, primary language, sexual orientation, gender identity, and academic preparation – through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.

Benefits

• Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule.
• Anticipated hiring academic year annual salary range: $ 90,000 - $ 94,000.
• Faculty employee benefits are very competitive for the higher education sector. See the CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details about the CSU’s excellent benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level