Assistant/Associate Professor of Agricultural Communication

at  California State University

Job no: 541043
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Probationary, Full Time, Faculty - Agriculture
The Agricultural Education and Communication Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure‐track Assistant/Associate Professor with an emphasis in Agricultural Communication starting January 6, 2025 or September 11, 2025.
The successful candidate will contribute to the scholarship of communication, particularly as it relates to effectively communicating complex issues to the lay audience. The incumbent will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in agricultural communication, such as social media, science communication, strategic communication, public relations and crisis communication, experiential communication, and other related courses. Further duties may also include supervision of undergraduate senior projects, graduate student research, team teaching assignments, student advising, teaching on-line courses, and curriculum development. The successful candidate is expected to participate in scholarly activities (i.e., research, grant writing, publications, presentations) as part of their professional development. Service activities will include participation in department, college, and university committees and instructional related activities. Additionally, this position will assist the Brock Center for Agricultural Communication, in bridging communication among the agriculture industry, the media, and the public.
Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring ranges:
Assistant Professor: $86,616 - $99,756
Associate Professor: $100,248 - $110,268
At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly’s commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Earned doctoral degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in agricultural communication, agricultural education, agricultural leadership, journalism, life science communications, mass communications, or closely related discipline.
Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of appointment. Must demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills. The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the general public is essential.
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and/or service, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practices and working with a diverse student body. Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate teaching are required. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings is required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Established disciplinary skillset to contribute to coursework in agricultural communication, with a focus in agricultural advocacy, policy, ethics, government, law, politics, and or public relations.
• Record of professional agricultural communication/journalism-related experience.
• Experiences within agriculture, food, and environmental science disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop a strong and focused research program and advance scholarship to publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to attract and secure extramural funding to support their research program.
• Demonstrated record of effective teaching with experience in resident and distance instructional delivery preferred.

Preference will be given to candidates with university-level teaching experience, relevant coursework, a record of successful academic research, and the ability to generate external funding. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment is also preferred.

Please refer the Job description for details