Tobacco Communications & Policy Specialist

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State..Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Public Health Educator III Opening Date:
June 16, 2026

Closing Date:
June 30, 2026

Job Class Code: 4374

Grade: 23 (04)
Salary: $49,275.20 - $69,139.20 per year Position Number:

Location:

Augusta This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Job Description:

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.

Core Responsibilities:

As a key member of the Tobacco Prevention & Control team, your core responsibilities will include:
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

Preferred candidates will also bring:

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to gather,…