Assistant Professor in Graphic Communication - Expertise in Sales/Marketing, Operations & Strategic Management (26/27)

Cal Poly•San Luis Obispo, CA

57d•$90,276 - $98,244

About The Position

The Graphic Communication 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 in Cross Media Operations, Integrated Marketing, Sales, Strategic Communication, and Graphic Communication Business Management. Teaching responsibilities may include courses in operations, project management, marketing, strategy, and sales. The ideal candidate will have a combination of university-level teaching experience and research potential, as well as an accomplished professional with a strong background in graphic communication and business leadership. This individual should bring both industry expertise and a passion for preparing students for success in sales, marketing, operations, and strategic leadership, particularly within the printing, graphic arts, or print production industries. This individual brings a proven record of leading teams, driving business growth, and optimizing operational performance through data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. They possess expertise in financial management, business strategy, and quality systems. A skilled communicator and mentor, the candidate demonstrates strong capabilities in team building, leadership development, and public speaking, and has experience applying advanced CRM, analytics, and operations management tools. This position is a tenure-track, academic-year appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. 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. Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department is a nationally recognized, forward-looking program that blends art, science, and management to prepare students for dynamic careers in print, packaging, publishing, and digital media. The department's mission centers on combining theory and experience to teach foundational technologies, applied aesthetics, and management in graphic communication. It emphasizes values of respect, community, and excellence, striving to foster innovation, continuous improvement, and strong ties between students, alumni, faculty, and industry. The department's website is https://grc.calpoly.edu/

Requirements

Master's degree in a related Graphic Communication field (or a closely related field), Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, Operations Management, Strategic Management (earned, or nearly complete). Must be conferred before August 2026.
Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in sales, marketing, business development, strategic planning, or operations management, preferably within the graphic communication, printing, or related manufacturing industries.
Demonstrated expertise in sales methodologies, market analysis, sales forecasting techniques, and business strategy development.
Experience in operational planning, process improvement, or sales operations.
Proven ability to teach and mentor students effectively in higher education or professional training environments.
Demonstrated university teaching experience.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Nice To Haves

Terminal degree (Ph.D., DBA, or Ed.D.) in Graphic Communication, Business, Marketing, Operations Management, Strategy, or related discipline.
7+ years of progressive experience in sales, marketing, operations, or strategic roles, including management or leadership positions.
Direct experience in the printing, graphic arts, or print production industry with exposure to operational workflows and strategic decision-making.
Track record of successfully managing sales teams, developing sales programs, or leading operational initiatives.
Experience developing and implementing business strategies, go-to-market plans, or operational efficiency improvements.
Expertise and application in financial concepts and reporting generation such as ROI/BEP and P&L, assets/liabilities, budgets, and trend analysis.
Background in B2B sales and operations, particularly in technical or manufacturing sectors.
Professional certifications such as Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma, or similar credentials.
Experience with CRM systems, sales analytics tools, market research methodologies, and operations management software.
Expertise and/or application in and with quality management systems and tools such as SOPs, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and familiarity and/or experience with SPC, ISO standards, Malcolm Baldrige principals.
Expertise in inventory management and control models, production scheduling and materials management; and supply chain management (i.e. logistics, supplier, and customer service management principles; and familiarity in capacity planning, process design, and layout planning).
Expertise in team building, leadership development, and management fundamentals (i.e., decision making and analytics; ethics and responsibility; organizational culture and change; strategic management and planning; HR systems; motivation theory, and understanding the global environment).
Strong presentation and public speaking skills with experience coaching others in these areas.
Published research or professional contributions in sales, marketing, operations, strategy, or graphic communication fields.
Established industry connections that can benefit student networking and career placement.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

Responsibilities

Teaching responsibilities may include courses in operations, project management, marketing, strategy, and sales.
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.

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