Administrative Support Assistant - Journalism and Graphic Communication

Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Graphic Communication Chair in collaboration with the Journalism Chair, this position provides general clerical support to the department chairs and faculty and is responsible for providing information and support for administration, faculty, students, parents, and the general public regarding department programs. This position serves as front office receptionist and provides a full range of clerical support evenly to both the Graphic Communication and Journalism Departments.

Department Summary

Cal Poly's Journalism Department, in the College of Liberal A rts, offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. The department was established in 1950 and has an alumni body composed of distinguished and well-known journalists. Alumni hold positions with the major national networks and local affiliates, national and local newspapers, public relations departments, and related organizations. The Journalism Department presently includes seven full- time faculty members and several adjuncts, four staff members and approximately 350 students. The Journalism Department houses laboratories for TV broadcasting, radio broadcasting, multimedia, and public relations education. Cal Poly’s student media (Mustang Media Group - MMG) includes Mustang News, KCPR, MNTV and MNPR. These media groups involve more than 200 journalism majors plus a number of other students from other majors participating in the programs.

Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree that blends creativity, technology, and strategy. Students gain balanced skills in design, production, business, and user experience while specializing in areas such as design reproduction technology, UX/UI, packaging, immersive interaction, and management. The department features more than 33,000 square feet of hands-on lab space, including cutting-edge software and equipment for print, packaging, and media production. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications, Inc. (ACCGC), and is supported by a strong industry network.

Key Qualifications

• Experience to be proficient in performing most or all work assignments.
• General working knowledge of applicable university infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of office methods, procedures, and practices.
• Fluency in using standard office software packages.
• Ability to learn, interpret independently, and apply a variety of complex policies and procedures. Able to identify deviations from applicable policies.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or its equivalent. Type 45 wpm. Three years of general office support or technical experience. (Training at a vocational school or full-time college education may be substituted for two years of the required experience on the basis of one year of college education for 6 months of experience).

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $3,373 - $4,258 monthly

This position is paid under the 11/12 pay plan, where the salary for 11 months is distributed over 12 months. The salary will be received every month. The incumbent will have one month off every year (with pay, benefits, and vacation/sick leave accrual continuing through the month off). The one month off will be July.

Classification Range: $3,373 - $4,966 monthly

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .

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.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. 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. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

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.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Advertised: Jul 11 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• California Polytechnic State University

• 805-756-2236

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