Tobacco Communications & Policy Specialist

Department of Health and Human Services • Augusta, ME

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Tobacco Prevention and Control Program within the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is looking for a Public Health Educator III to support statewide communication efforts and legislative monitoring activities. The Program oversees the Tobacco Prevention & Control efforts for the State of Maine. Program elements include: Tobacco Treatment (including Maine Quitlink, “My Life, My Quit”, and School-based Treatment), Health Systems work, Tobacco Prevention (including Maine Prevention Network), Retailer training and inspection, Internet sales inspection, Data analysis and program evaluation. This position will assist in the oversight of Tobacco Prevention & Control Communications. Major responsibilities include: Assisting with the work of the media contract, Developing and reviewing program and campaign website updates, Posting to the Program Listserv, Forecasting and responding to media and public requests for information. In this position, you will work with and support the prevention and enforcement partners and lead the Tobacco Programs effort to track and coordinate relevant legislative work. You will be responsible for: Ensuring contract compliance with deliverables and reporting requirements, Managing invoice approvals and denials. Additionally, you will review invoices and assist the program manager in ensuring services are delivered within the scope of the contracts. This position may require travel in and out of state.

Requirements

• A Bachelors Degree in Public Health, Community Health Education, Health Education and two (2) years experience in community or health education program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize information from a variety of sources
• Demonstrated skill in applying best practices and standards for health communication, page layout, and information design.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners
• Computer skills, including experience with graphic design software
• Knowledge of and experience with website development and maintenance

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with the Tobacco Program Manager and the Tobacco Prevention & Control Team to develop statewide Tobacco prevention, treatment, enforcement programs as well as the development of mass reach campaigns and strategies
• Collaborating with the Mass Reach Health Communications (MRHC) contractor, contract administrator, and staff to ensure contract deliverables completion
• Leading efforts to review and update program, campaign, and Prevention store websites
• Building and expanding communication partnerships
• Disseminating health information through the Program listserv, presentations, and exhibits
• Assisting with responses to media, constituent inquiries, and program emails
• Reviewing and updating Program policies and procedures
• Assisting Program staff and contractors in state and community initiatives related to tobacco planning, legislation, and policy work (ex. local level tobacco-free policies, Maine Tobacco Retailer Training)
• Tracking and coordinating legislative work on topics relevant to the Division
• Participating in Maine Prevention Network collective meetings
• Collaborating with contractors and vendors to provide technical assistance, as requested by the Tobacco Program Manager
• Participating in other Program, Division, Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention meetings and activities as requested, including Tobacco Prevention and Control Team and Tobacco Advisory Council meetings.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents.
• Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level