Tobacco & Substance Use Prevention & Control Communications Specialist

If you are a current State of Maine employee you must complete your application through the internal application process (Find Jobs Report). Please apply using your PRISM account. If you are on Seasonal Leave and do not have access to PRISM contact your local Human Resources representative for application information.

Department ofHealth 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:$43014.40 - $60070.40 per year

Position Number:09590-0042

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

Core Responsibilities:

The Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention & Control (TSUPC) Health Communications Specialist supports the effective operation of the Maine CDCs 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

Preferred candidates will also have:

oOutstanding oral and written communication skills.

oThe ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.

oDemonstrated skill in applying public health best practices for health literacy and communication.

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Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health safety resilience and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the States population including children families older Mainers and individuals with disabilities mental illness and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health operates two state psychiatric hospitals and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) within which this position is located is to develop and deliver services to preserve protect and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Madelene Cyr Communications & Policy Program Manager at

Please submit all documents or files in a PDF or Word format.

To request a paper application please contact

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government you find employees who embody our state mottoDirigo or I leadas they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforces health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package including:

• Work-Life Fit Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays 12 days of sick leave and3 weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($12845.82 - $15112.76 annual value) depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
• 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 employees pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a childincluding fathers and adoptive parentsreceivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional unpaid leave may also be available under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated foranything less than full-time.

Theres a job and then theres purposeful transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn grow and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race color sex sexual orientation or gender identity physical or mental disability religion age ancestry national origin familial status or genetics.

If youre looking for a great next step and want to feel good about what you do wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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If you are unable to complete the online application please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.