Assistant Professor with Expertise in Cross Media Operations, Integrated Marketing, Sales, Strategic Communication, and Graphic Communication Business Management 26-27 

The Graphic Communication Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin August 17, 2026. AOS: Cross Media Operations, Integrated Marketing, Sales, Strategic Communication, and Graphic Communication Business Management. Interested applicants should complete the online faculty application at http://jobs.calpoly.edu/ and submit it to Requisition # 552104. Review Begin Date: December 8, 2025

The Graphic Communication Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin August 17, 2026. Area of Specialization in Cross Media Operations, Integrated Marketing, Sales, Strategic Communication, and Graphic Communication Business Management. Teaching responsibilities may include courses in operations, project management, marketing, strategy, and sales. The ideal candidate will have a combination of university-level teaching experience and research potential, as well as an accomplished professional with a strong background in graphic communication and business leadership. This individual should bring both industry expertise and a passion for preparing students for success in sales, marketing, operations, and strategic leadership, particularly within the printing, graphic arts, or print production industries. This individual brings a proven record of leading teams, driving business growth, and optimizing operational performance through data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. They possess expertise in financial management, business strategy, and quality systems. A skilled communicator and mentor, the candidate demonstrates strong capabilities in team building, leadership development, and public speaking, and has experience applying advanced CRM, analytics, and operations management tools. This position is a tenure-track, academic-year appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month 
(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO).  Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a related Graphic Communication field (or a closely related field), Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, Operations Management, Strategic Management (earned, or nearly complete). Must be conferred before August 2026.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in sales, marketing, business development, strategic planning, or operations management, preferably within the graphic communication, printing, or related manufacturing industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in sales methodologies, market analysis, sales forecasting techniques, and business strategy development.
• Experience in operational planning, process improvement, or sales operations.
• Proven ability to teach and mentor students effectively in higher education or professional training environments.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Terminal degree (Ph.D., DBA, or Ed.D.) in Graphic Communication, Business, Marketing, Operations Management, Strategy, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in sales, marketing, operations, or strategic roles, including management or leadership positions.
• Direct experience in the printing, graphic arts, or print production industry with exposure to operational workflows and strategic decision-making.
• Track record of successfully managing sales teams, developing sales programs, or leading operational initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing business strategies, go-to-market plans, or operational efficiency improvements.
• Expertise and application in financial concepts and reporting generation such as ROI/BEP and P&L, assets/liabilities, budgets, and trend analysis.
• Background in B2B sales and operations, particularly in technical or manufacturing sectors.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma, or similar credentials.
• Experience with CRM systems, sales analytics tools, market research methodologies, and operations management software.
• Expertise and/or application in and with quality management systems and tools such as SOPs, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and familiarity and/or experience with SPC, ISO standards, Malcolm Baldrige principals.
• Expertise in inventory management and control models, production scheduling and materials management; and supply chain management (i.e. logistics, supplier, and customer service management principles; and familiarity in capacity planning, process design, and layout planning).
• Expertise in team building, leadership development, and management fundamentals (i.e., decision making and analytics; ethics and responsibility; organizational culture and change; strategic management and planning; HR systems; motivation theory, and understanding the global environment).
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills with experience coaching others in these areas.
• Published research or professional contributions in sales, marketing, operations, strategy, or graphic communication fields.
• Established industry connections that can benefit student networking and career placement.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities. 

Essential Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to bridge academic theory with real-world industry practices across sales, marketing, strategy, and operations.
• Systems thinking and ability to connect strategic planning with operational execution.
• Commitment to student success and professional development.
• Proficiency in creating engaging, interactive learning experiences including group projects and presentations.
• Analytical mindset with ability to teach data-driven decision making.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

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.

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

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 

Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department is a nationally recognized, forward-looking program that blends art, science, and management to prepare students for dynamic careers in print, packaging, publishing, and digital media. The department’s mission centers on combining theory and experience to teach foundational technologies, applied aesthetics, and management in graphic communication. It emphasizes values of respect, community, and excellence, striving to foster innovation, continuous improvement, and strong ties between students, alumni, faculty, and industry. The department's website is https://grc.calpoly.edu/

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition # 552104. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

(1) a cover letter providing some details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position 

(2) a current Curriculum Vitae 

(3) copy of unofficial transcripts (sealed official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for final consideration) 

(4) a Universal Student Success Statement: Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.

(5) Statement of research interests/ research plan 

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by the review begin date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered.

Projected Start Date: August 17, 2026

Review Begin Date: December 8, 2025. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.  

For questions about the position please contact Dina Vees via email at dvees@calpoly.edu