Health Promotion Specialist

California State University; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Health Promotion Specialist at California State University, Sacramento, will design and evaluate health education programs for the student community. You will collaborate with SHCWS, HWP, and campus partners to implement evidence-based initiatives and promote student wellness.

Responsibilities include leading the Peer Health Educator Program, coordinating health promotion activities, and advocating for policy and environmental changes to support well-being and academic success on campus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in health education or related field.
• 2 years of progressively responsible health education experience or equivalent.
• Experience developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating health education programs.
• Knowledge of top college health issues and health promotion theories.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate health education programs for students.
• Coordinate the Peer Health Educator Program and collaborate with campus partners.
• Promote campus policy, systems, and environmental changes to support student wellness.
• Lead data collection, assessment, and continuous improvement of programs.

Skills

Program development

Program evaluation

Public health knowledge

Educational methods

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Peer staff supervision

NASPA trainer

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or related field

Two years of health education experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic medical records

Asana

Job description

Job no: 563614
Work type: Staff
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 2 - CSUEU - Health Care Support, Probationary, Health Professionals, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled): Thursday, November 19, 2026 @ 11:55pm PT

Hiring Preference

Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of CARES, Basic Needs & Wellness in Student Health and Counseling & Wellness Services (SHCWS), the Health Promotion Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, planning, and evaluating health education programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the overall well‑being and healthy lifestyle choices of students, within the university community. The role will involve collaborating with various university departments, student organizations, and external partners to create a comprehensive health promotion strategy. The Health Promotion Specialist will work collaboratively with the Health and Wellness Promotion (HWP) department team, SHCWS staff, and campus partners to coordinate the Peer Health Educator Program, deliver student health education, and promote campus policy, systems, and environmental changes to support student wellness. The Health Promotion Specialist is responsible for design, develop, and implementation of evidence-based health education programs and initiatives tailored to the needs and interests of the university community. The Health Promotion Specialist provides leadership in identifying goals for and developing health promotion programs toaddress long and short-term campus health promotion needs utilizing best practices in health to create a campus environment that supports students in their wellbeing and academic success, reduce stigma and barriers to seeking health services, and promote positive student health behaviors.

FLSA

Exempt (not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range

$5,549 per month (Step 1) - $5,659 per month (Step 2)

CSU Classification Salary Range

$5,549 per month (Step 1) -$8,083 per month (Step 20)

Salary step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Work Hours

8:00 am - 5:00 pm / Monday - Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends based on operational needs.

Department Information

Student Health, Counseling and Wellness center provides an integrated approach to care combining both physical, mental and various needs of our students. This approach acknowledges the intricate connection between mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness, recognizing that a person's mental health cannot be isolated from their overall health. Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals fosters an inclusive culture that addresses systemic disparities and creates an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel respected, valued, and are provided with equitable access to quality care. Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services (SHCWS) staff are committed to continuously providing exceptional service for our campus community. We offer a variety of services that are available in-person and online using secure remote technology.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of health education theories, research, and program assessment; planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of health education programs; and industry standards for the delivery of health education in higher education. General knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, current and emerging college age student health problems and existing methods of intervention and control. Working knowledge of the principles of educational and social psychology and how they apply to a health education program; and applicable industry standards and practices for health promotion such as those found in the American College Health Association’s “Standards of Practice for Health Promotion in Higher Education.”

Abilities:

Ability to assess needs and establish or recommend program priorities and goals and develop plans to achieve goals; collect, compile, chart, and analyze data pertinent to health education program planning; plan, organize, conduct or oversee a variety of health education programs and activities including discussion groups and workshops; develop educational materials and media such as pamphlets, audio and video materials, and electronic media; present ideas and information accurately, effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing; use computer and web-based information technology systems as a resource for research and providing health education programs; maintain confidentiality consistent with applicable laws and regulations; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, students, medical, and other health professionals, representatives of the news media, and other community groups.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an approved program in health education or a related health field. Equivalent to one to two years of progressively responsible health education experience or combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Health Science, or other related field or equivalent in an approved program in health education or a related health field. Equivalent to two years of progressively responsible health education experience or combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Professional work experience developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating health education programs and activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of top college health issues, including sexuality/reproductive health, sexual/dating violence, alcohol/tobacco/drug abuse, and mental health.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health promotion, behavior change, and public health theories and models; evidence-informed health promotion programs; and environmental change strategies/socio-ecological model.
• Demonstrated skills in developing and facilitating a variety of educational methods designed to improve knowledge, skills, and behaviors, including presentations, workshops, trainings, individual behavior change sessions, and small group discussion/facilitation.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, health equity, and cultural competence and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including working effectively in a team environment and collaborating with a variety of partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to select, train, supervise and evaluate student staff.
• Ability to become a certified trainer in the NASPA (National Association of Student Personnnel Administrators) Peer Educator Certification curriculum.
• Organizational skills to maintain accuracy and optimize efficiency of materials, information, projects, and records.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite Products, ability to document in an electronic medical record, standard software programs, web-based project management tools such as Asana, and audio/visual equipment.
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Health Science, or another related field.
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).
• Experience supervising, training, instructing and mentoring students and/or student assistant employees in a university or college environment.
• Experience with critical review of professional and academic literature related to health and wellness promotion, especially among college students.
• Experience applying health promotion, behavior change, and public health theories and models; evidence informed health promotion programs; and policy/systems/environmental change strategies/socio-ecological model to a student population.
• Experience gathering, compiling and synthesizing information for application in strategic program planning and evaluation.
• Experience in identifying funding opportunities and applying for and managing grants.

Licenses/Certifications

Preferred:

• Certified Trainer in the NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) Peer Educator Certification curriculum (or ability to obtain)
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Condition of Employment

• Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

Documents Needed to Apply

• CV (Resume)
• Copies of Applicable Certifications (See List Above)

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California State University, Sacramento is an Aff… We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety ActNotification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of CleryAct crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at [e-mail] .

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Education Code 89521 Requirements

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

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