Assistant/Associate Professor Of Agricultural Communication

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, tenuretrack Assistant/Associate Professor with an emphasis in Agricultural Communication starting September 16, 2024. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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 management, science communication, strategic communication, public relations/affairs 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, on-line courses, and teaching graduate level courses and/or in a Master of Professional Studies or certificate program. The successful candidate is expected to participate in scholarly activities (i.e., research, grant writing, publications, presentations) as part of their professional development, and these activities are expected to be tied to advancement of the Brock Center for Agricultural Communication (Brock Center). Service activities will include participation in department, college, and university committees and instructional related activities. Additionally, this position will assist in advancing Brock Center in becoming the preeminent program for Agricultural Communication in the United States.

Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring ranges:

Assistant Professor: $82,000-$90,000

Associate: $90,504 -$99,000

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 doctorate degree in a field relevant to agriculture, science and technology, natural resources and sustainability, and food systems. 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. Training and experience in communications, journalism, marketing, and professional experience in effectively developing programs directed to communicating science to a wide variety of audiences. 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

Preference will be given to candidates with professional industry experience in improvisation, theater, group dynamics and/or public outreach. Particular attention will be afforded to candidates who have productive records of teaching, scholarly activity, and student-involved research that would strengthen current department activities. Experience with a Center for Communicating Science or Agriculture 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.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that tenure-line faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Agricultural Education and Communication Department at Cal Poly has approximately 150 undergraduate students in Agricultural Communication and 150 undergraduate students in Agricultural Science, 35 Master's Degree candidates, and six full-time faculty who teach in the areas of agricultural teacher education and Agricultural Communications.

The Brock Center for Agricultural Communication is housed within the Agricultural Education and Communication Department and serves as the laboratory for students to develop their writing, social media, and verbal communication skills.  Agricultural Education and Communication faculty and students work closely with the Brock Center for Agricultural Communication. The Brock Center was established in 1986 and is managed by the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (C.A.F.E.S.) with input from the College of Liberal Arts (C.L.A.). The mission of the Brock Center is to create a bridge of communication between the agricultural industry, the media, and the public.

Ag Communication students are active nationally by attending the Ag Media Summit each year, and have earned numerous awards in national competition, including the "Outstanding Publication" for the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow organization. Additionally, Cal Poly produces many newly credentialed agriculture teachers for the state of California each year. Graduates of the department have proven to be effective leaders in secondary, post-secondary, and higher education, not only in California, but throughout the United States. Cal Poly is viewed as the home for agricultural education in California. The State FFA Judging Finals and the Summer Conference for the California Agricultural Teachers' Association have been held on the Cal Poly campus for over 100 years.

HOW TO APPLY

Review begin date January 16, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by January 16, 2024, for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered. Interested candidates must attach (1) cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts of the highest degree, (4) statement of teaching philosophy, (5) goals and plans for research, (6) a statement describing the candidate's experience(s) with diversity, equity, and inclusion and how their experiences have prepared them to advance Cal Poly's commitment to inclusive excellence (https://diversity.calpoly.edu/inclusive-excellence), and (7) at least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. The selected candidate will be required to provide sealed official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration. Inquiries can be directed to the Agricultural Education and Communication Department via aged@calpoly.edu.