Tobacco & Substance Use Prevention & Control Communications Specialist

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Planning & Research Associate I

Opening Date:

December 30, 2025

Closing Date:

January 13, 2026

Job Class Code:0039

Grade:20 (04)

Salary:$43,014.40 - $60,070.40 per year

Position Number:

Location:

This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This position allows for partial telework with manager approval.

The Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention & Control (TSUPC) Health Communications Specialist supports the effective operation of the Maine CDC’s Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention and Control Program by ensuring high-quality, consistent internal and external communications. The specialist also provides key assistance to the Communications and Policy Program Manager. This role is essential in maintaining cohesive integrated communications across the TSUPC Program, including initiatives supporting the Maine Prevention Network.

The Specialist serves as the Communications and Policy Team Lead for substance use and tobacco use prevention efforts, providing oversight that includes health-literacy review and the development of appropriate communication strategies for priority population groups.

As a key member of the Communications & Policy Team, you will also:

• Lead all Maine Prevention Store operations, including fulfilling orders within 10 business days, updating inventory on the website, coordinating and ordering domain specific print material, and providing monthly reports on orders, stock, and print activity.
• Propose, coordinate and maintain an annual exhibiting schedule and professionally represent the Maine CDC at conferences and community events. Prepare materials, staff tables, and engage the public with strong customer service skills.
• Coordinate with program staff to develop the annual social media plan with monthly themes. Create monthly social media content, blending campaign materials and original posts, and share final content with the Communication & Policy Program Manager two weeks before each month begins.
• Create and distribute the quarterly Prevention Partner Update and manage information-sharing through the program Listserv.
• Identify and implement innovative approaches for improving our reach at tabling events in the community as well as strategies for creating more efficient processes in the Maine Prevention Store operations.
• Ensure communications materials and outreach strategies reflect health literacy guidelines, health equity principles and effectively reach priority populations.
• Assist in reviewing internal and external documents for clarity, accuracy, and consistency with Maine CDC standards.
• Participate in program and organizational meetings and support additional tasks or initiatives, as requested.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation of all communications program activities, including but not limited to Maine Prevention Store operations, public engagement events, and staff feedback, to support continuous improvement and cohesive program operations.

A six (6) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of the principles of research and planning.

Please submit a cover letter and one (1) professional writing sample required as part of the application process. The writing sample can be 1 page in Word or 3-5 slides in Power Point on a public health topic of your choice. The professional writing sample should be self-authored.

Applications submitted without a cover letter and writing sample will be deemed incomplete and may not be processed.

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated skill in applying public health best practices for health literacy and…