Part-Time Lecturer Pool - Communication Studies (AY 26/27)

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 61,458 - 169,866; Part time

Job summary

A prominent university in California is seeking a part-time lecturer for the Communications Studies Department. The role involves teaching various courses such as public speaking and communication theory. Applicants must possess a Master's degree in Communication Studies or a related field, with prior teaching experience preferred. The position is temporary and will require quick availability for courses during the academic semesters. Interested candidates should prepare a cover letter, resume, and teaching evaluations to apply.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• Evidence of successful teaching experience is highly desired.
• Knowledge and experience with industry-related work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in communication subjects.
• Available to work as needed each semester.
• Engage in student assessments and evaluations.

Skills

College teaching experience

Knowledge of Canvas

Professional capabilities

Education

Master's degree in Communication Studies or related field

Job description

COMMUNICATION STUDIES - PART-TIME LECTURER POOL

Appointments from the part‑time pool are temporary and are often made just prior to the start of the academic term, so applicants must be available on very short notice.

The Communication Studies Department, College of Liberal Arts, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a pool of part‑time lecturer positions. Positions are available as determined by need and funding during Fall and/or Spring semesters of the 2026‑2027 academic year, which begins August 17, 2026. Possible openings include teaching courses in public speaking, small group communication, communication theory, performance of literature, argumentation and advocacy, media studies, or business and professional communication. Most courses will be offered in person, but a limited number of classes may be offered virtually based upon department scheduling needs and priorities.

Education

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

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. 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, and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws. 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.

Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communication Studies or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of successful college teaching experience highly desired.
• Knowledge and experience with Canvas preferred.
• Preference will be given to those with relevant work/industry experience and those who bring professional capabilities.

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.
• 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.
• Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco‑free campus and 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.
• Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo will not sponsor an H‑1B for this position.

How To Apply

Please attach:

• A cover letter
• Resume/curriculum vitae
• A copy of unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned (official transcripts will be required prior to an appointment)
• Student course evaluations for up to two previous academic years and a list of CSU courses previously taught (if applicable). (Please attach under "Other requested material")
• Teaching philosophy, teaching effectiveness, if available.

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application.

Review begins date: May 1, 2026 and continues throughout the 2026‑27 academic year.

For questions, please contact the Communication Studies Department by phone at (805) 756‑2553 or by email at [e-mail].