Assistant Professor of Communication in Social Media and Strategic Communication (26/27)

CSU Careers•San Luis, CA

1d•$90,276 - $98,244

About The Position

The California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Department of Communication Studies invites applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor with a specialization in social media strategy and analytics. We especially welcome candidates whose work intersects with one or more of the following areas: crisis and risk communication, health communication, and human-machine communication (particularly Artificial Intelligence). Candidates whose research, teaching, or professional experience engages with contexts outside the U.S. are strongly encouraged to apply. We are seeking a colleague who can integrate theoretical instruction with hands-on, applied learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in social media and digital communication, using current tools, strategies, and trends employed by professionals across sectors such as marketing, media, health, and technology. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching and developing courses in social media content creation and related areas. The successful candidate’s teaching responsibilities will include: Introductory communication courses, such as our major orientation course or public speaking course. One or more of our 200-level foundational courses, including communication theory, organizational communication, media studies, and/or small group communication. 300-level research methods course(s) aligned with the candidate’s methodological expertise (e.g., quantitative and/or qualitative research methods). Upper-division electives aligned with the candidate’s expertise. Candidates will also have the opportunity to propose new courses such as Social Media Content Creation, Digital Marketing, Brand Communication and Analytics, and/or other courses within the candidate’s area(s) of expertise. A 400-level Senior Seminar course and Senior Project course for graduating majors. Non-instructional duties will include: Engaging in research and scholarship related to candidate’s area of expertise. Engaging in service and academic advising/mentorship of undergraduate students. Advising students’ extracurricular activities related to departmental social media and content creation. Opportunities to enhance and expand our department’s existing social media presence and digital outreach.

Requirements

A Ph.D. in Communication Studies or a closely related field at the time of appointment (degree completion expected no later than August 1, 2026)
Demonstrated success in undergraduate teaching
Completed at least one graduate-level course related to social media and/ or strategic/ applied communication.
Record of scholarship in social media and/or strategic communication using social science methodologies (i.e., quantitative and/or qualitative methods)
Demonstrated commitment to educational equity, academic and inclusive excellence, and student success in their scholarship/creative activities, teaching, and/or service
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication skills

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience related to marketing, digital analytics, content strategy, social media management, or other applied specializations related to social media strategy and analytics – including crisis communication, health communication, or human-machine communication (particularly Artificial Intelligence)
Demonstrated success in undergraduate teaching, as an instructor of record or teaching assistant, in undergraduate social media content creation and/or analytics
Evidence of academic preparation relevant to the instructional assignment, including communication theory, organizational communication, small group communication, social science research methodologies (quantitative and/or qualitative research methods), and applied areas such as social media strategy and analytics.
Demonstrated experience in creating and managing social media content, and preference for candidates with relevant industry experience or professional expertise in areas such as social media strategy, analytics, or campaign execution.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered, collaborative, and supportive learning and teaching
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings
Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs for course development and possible program curriculum development
Additional consideration will be given to those with experience working in, or applying their expertise to, contexts beyond the U.S.

Responsibilities

Teaching introductory communication courses
Teaching 200-level foundational courses
Teaching 300-level research methods course(s)
Teaching upper-division electives
Proposing new courses
Teaching a 400-level Senior Seminar course and Senior Project course
Engaging in research and scholarship related to candidate’s area of expertise
Engaging in service and academic advising/mentorship of undergraduate students
Advising students’ extracurricular activities related to departmental social media and content creation
Enhancing and expanding our department’s existing social media presence and digital outreach