COMMUNICATION STUDIES - Full-time Lecturer in the Communication Studies Department, College of Liberal Arts, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California to begin August 17, 2026. Recruitment is for multiple positions, each with a two-year appointment for the 26/27 and 27/28 Academic Year with the possibility of a one-year extension to AY 28/29 contingent on budget, department need, and satisfactory evaluations. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Primary teaching responsibilities include foundational lower-division courses in oral communication (e.g., public speaking, argumentation). Depending on departmental needs and the candidate’s background, there may also be opportunities to teach 200-level courses such as communication theory, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, small group communication, and media studies.
In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to upper-division undergraduate teaching in areas aligned with departmental needs and their expertise. These areas may include, but are not limited to, intercultural or intergroup communication, nonverbal communication, family communication, media effects, communication, media, and politics, or environmental communication.
The teaching load is 5 three-unit courses per semester, with a total of 30 units across the academic year. A.B.D. or Ph.D. in Communication or closely related field and a successful teaching record in oral communication courses are required.
Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
Lecturer A: $5,507-$6,677
Lecturer B: $6,221-$13,224
Lecturer C: $6,825-$14,523
Lecturer D: $8,593-$15,221
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A.B.D. or Ph.D. in Communication or closely related field and teaching record in oral communication courses are required.
Candidates should provide evidence of a demonstrated commitment to successful undergraduate teaching.
Candidates must also demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
The ideal candidate will also demonstrate attention to fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment that supports all perspectives and student backgrounds in their teaching.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to those who support the success of all learners and demonstrate a commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.
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.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must attach the following required materials:
1) Cover Letter
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) Statement of teaching philosophy and evidence of teaching effectiveness
4) an unofficial copy of transcripts.
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the people listed by applicants.
Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.
For full consideration apply by the REVIEW BEGIN DATE: 06-01-2026
Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered. Sealed official transcripts showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment.
For questions, please contact:
Department of Communication Studies
805.756.2553
[email protected]
