Health Communications Specialist (Public Affairs/Communication Specialist II) - Health Promotion & Wellness

Working Title

Health Communications Specialist

SF State University

San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.  Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing [email protected].
San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus.  Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
The person holding this position may be 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.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code.  The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Department

Health Promotion & Wellness

Appointment Type

This is a one-year probationary position.

Time Base

Part-Time (FTE 0.5)

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday; from 9:00am to 1:00pm

Anticipated Hiring Range

$2,423.50 to $2,600 per month ($29,082 to $31,200 annually) @ a Time Base of FTE (0.5)

$4,847 to $5,200 per month ($58,164 to $62,400 annually) @ a Time Base of FTE (1.0)

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

With a mission of promoting health equity and developing the capacities for academic, personal, and professional success for all members of the SF State community, Health Promotion & Wellness (HPW) works to positively shift the culture and social norms around health and wellness to increase students’ self-efficacy to make informed health decisions.  Under the general direction of the Director of HPW, with daily operational leadership provided by the Senior Health Communications Coordinator, and in an ethnically and culturally diverse educational environment, the Health Communications Specialist is responsible for providing strategic direction in developing, implementing, evaluating, and continually improving communication and marketing of basic needs programming.  Strategies will include, but are not limited to, public health information communications in multi-mediums, community outreach activities, and health marketing campaign development.  The incumbent works closely with a team of health professionals, student leaders and clubs, faculty/staff, and other campus stakeholders to promote individual and environmental changes designed to promote food security and housing stability.

Position Information

Strategic Communications

• Develop engaging communications campaigns, marketing/branding concepts, designs, and messages to coordinate public health information efforts for Gator Health, with a special focus on SF State Basic Needs Initiatives.
• Develop and implement an annual social media campaign, in coordination with the HPW team and key campus groups focused on Student Success or GI 2025 (e.g., Campus Recreation, Dean of Students, First Year Experience, etc.), that promotes student engagement and connection to campus resources, with the goal of improving retention and graduation.
• Evaluate the Basic Needs Initiatives and Gator Health communication plans and campaigns, including conducting market research (e.g., focus groups, surveys, and/or other methods) with students and other stakeholders and utilizing data/evidence to prioritize work and make continuous enhancements and improvements.
• Coordinate the collection of basic needs and gator health outreach, marketing, data, and analytics, including preparing summary reports to guide programmatic planning and communication with campus stakeholders.
• Demonstrate ingenuity in using emerging technologies and communication strategies to meet evolving needs of Gator Health units in reaching students, increasing service utilization, and improving overall student health.
• Integrate communications strategies within larger Health Promotion & Wellness and Gator Health communication efforts, as well as support in general health campaigns as needed.
• Recruit, oversee, and support group of highly skilled student assistants to meet the social media, marketing, and website needs of the department.

Web/Electronic Communications

• Create, maintain, and/or develop content, design, and structure of Gator Health websites.
• Coordinate the creation and execution of graphics, video, and other content for key electronic communications and marketing efforts, including digital signs, the web, and social media.
• Create and distribute health marketing content via strategic social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Monitor and report on reach of health communications strategies (social media engagement, website usage, etc.).

Materials Development

• Develop materials such as flyers, slide decks, FAQs, and workshop/seminar brochures for basic needs and general health campaigns, services, and activities targeted to students and other stakeholders.
• Provide writing, editing, and/or content development assistance for program reports and special projects.
• Design and order promotional items to support basic needs outreach.
• Maintain an inclusive image database and other photo processing needs.
• Keep abreast of relevant design technologies, trends, and techniques, including those that relate to color theory, typography, photography, and illustration.

Other Duties as Assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Entry to the first level within this classification requires knowledge of the fundamentals of public affairs and/or media relations, and/or some exposure to marketing and marketing research. This background normally is obtained through a college degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field, and up to two years of related professional or technical experience. In addition, strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles are essential to initial entry to this classification.

• Foundation knowledge of general practices, methods and procedures related to public affairs, media relations, marketing, and/or sports information. Ability to keep abreast of public policy and public affairs issues.
• Working knowledge of protocols and institutional etiquette related to public and media relations.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of media outlets including print, television, and radio. Ability to work with the media for the coverage of events.
• Basic knowledge of market research and related techniques. Working knowledge of summary statistics as they relate to research or sports information.
• Basic knowledge of applicable copyright and other laws pertaining to written materials, news media and confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of applicable software packages.
• Knowledge of basic web communication techniques, vehicles and formats.
• Strong writing and editing skills to quickly produce clear and concise standard documents for internal and external publication.
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain relationships within the university and community and with the media.
• Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, practices, principles and techniques related to communications in the public affairs, media, marketing, and/or sports information areas.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to use effectively media outlets including planning media coverage and media publicity campaigns for the university and events.
• Ability to build and manage more sophisticated media contacts.
• Demonstrated ability to keep abreast of campus events and subject matter expertise in relation to current events to identify and capitalize on media opportunities that will promote the university and increase positive media coverage.
• Working knowledge of copyright and other applicable laws pertaining to publications and the media.
• Thorough knowledge of web communication techniques, vehicles and formats. Ability to effectively use web technology to achieve communication goals.
• Ability to analyze and select pertinent facts and integrate them into communication vehicles.
• Strong story development and journalistic writing skills, as well as advanced editorial skills. Knowledge of interview techniques and the ability to define and deliver media messages.
• Working knowledge of marketing and research techniques and methods. Ability to apply market research to identify communication needs and target audiences.
• Ability to apply appropriate statistical techniques and methods to research or sports information.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening and interpretive skills.
• Ability to provide lead work direction.

Preferred Qualifications

• An American Public Health Association (ACHA) approved master’s degree in public health with emphasis on health education; a master’s degree in health science or public health administration or equivalent; and/or national certification is highly preferred.
• Experience working in public health communications and marketing; higher education experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in social media and web page design, maintenance, and content management, including significant proficiency in operating graphic and web design software such as Drupal and Microsoft Office software packages.
• Demonstrated artistic and design abilities, including ability to create and work with both print and digital formats.
• Ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation to meet goals and objectives.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated ingenuity in the development of communication strategies, concepts, ideas, and campaigns.
• Working knowledge of supervisory and leadership techniques.
• Knowledge of college health trends and health communication theory.
• Core Competencies – embody the following competencies:
• Bias toward collaboration and teamwork.
• Effective oral, written and nonverbal communication skills.
• Customer/Client Focus with an emphasis in problem solving and resolution.
• Personal effectiveness and credibility as demonstrated by interpersonal and professional confidence.
• Diversity and inclusion.

Environmental/Physical/Special

Incumbent must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

Pre-Employment Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.

Benefits

Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions.  SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.

Employment Requirement

CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so.  Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to [email protected] .

CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)

Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.

Additional Information

SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).
The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.

Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.