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The Agricultural Education and Communication Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks a full-time, academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Agricultural Communication, starting approximately August 12, 2027. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The primary responsibility is to prepare future professionals in agricultural communication through student-centered teaching, applied learning experiences, and industry-engaged scholarship.

• Contribute primarily to undergraduate instruction in agricultural communication with emphasis on strategic communication, journalism, marketing and brand communication, public relations, science communication, and foundational communication theory within agricultural and natural resource contexts.
• Teach 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 by the department.
• Collaborate with the Brock Center for Agricultural Communication and contribute to interdisciplinary instruction supporting other degree programs within the department.
• Foster a learn-by-doing environment emphasizing experiential learning, hands-on skill development, and applied problem-solving for the current communication market.
• Supervise undergraduate senior projects, mentor graduate students, advise student organizations and competitive teams, and support internships, field-based learning experiences, and industry partnerships connecting students with agricultural communication professionals and stakeholders.
• Engage in scholarly activities (research, grant writing, publications, presentations, and creative activities) as part of professional development and advance the field via the Teacher-Scholar-Model, with emphasis on practical, applied research addressing contemporary challenges in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.
• Participate in advising, support co-curricular activities, engage in department, college, and university service, and collaborate with colleagues, industry partners, and community stakeholders to keep academic programs responsive to evolving communication needs in California’s agricultural industry.

Required

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Agricultural Communication or a closely related field. ABD candidates may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of the appointment.
• Excellence in teaching, effective and clear communication, interpersonal skills, and strong written and oral communication abilities.
• Ability to be a team player and interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the public; demonstrated proficiency in English.
• Ability or potential to secure external funding and publish research; commitment to student-centered learning and collaboration in multidisciplinary settings.
• Strong interest in undergraduate and graduate teaching and a demonstrated commitment to inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environments.
• Training and experience in communications, journalism, marketing, and experience developing programs to communicate science to diverse audiences; productive teaching and scholarly activity that strengthens department initiatives will be valued.

Preferred

• Candidates with university or community college teaching experience will receive priority consideration.

• Mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act; must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
• Conditional offer of employment requires satisfactory completion of a background check; failure may result in withdrawal of the offer. An individualized assessment will be performed if any criminal history is found.
• Current employees offered on-campus positions may be required to undergo a background check where required by law or university policy for sensitive positions.
• Cal Poly is smoke and tobacco-free; the university is committed to a healthy environment.
• CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy may preclude work outside California; tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.
• Subject to planning and approval, there may be a transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO); two consecutive semesters will constitute the regular academic year, with optional teaching in a third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and policy.

The Agricultural Education and Communication Department at Cal Poly serves approximately 155 undergraduate students in Agricultural Communication, 175 in Agricultural Science, seven full-time faculty, and supports the Brock Center for Agricultural Communication, which partners with the industry, media, and public to bridge communication gaps in agriculture.

Review will begin on September 1, 2026. Applicants should submit: (1) cover letter, (2) resume/CV, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) goals and plans for research, (5) Universal Student Success Statement, and (6) at least three professional references with contact information. Finalists will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation and official transcripts prior to final consideration. Cal Poly cannot guarantee visa sponsorship; eligibility will depend on institutional priorities and regulations. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Ben Swan at bswan@calpoly.edu.