Program Specialist

Job Description The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is seeking a Program Specialist (PS) to serve as a core member of the Tuberculosis (TB) Control Branch. The PS will lead highly visible activities that support TB elimination, health‑equity communications, and strategic planning. Key duties include providing administrative and strategic leadership, monitoring complex initiatives in real time, independently drafting communications for executives, and developing presentations and technical correspondence. The position requires leadership, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate sensitive internal and external environments. The PS will work in Richmond, CA, in a hybrid work arrangement that requires a minimum of four days per week on site and allows up to one telework day per week, subject to agency operational needs. Responsibilities Apply professional and research concepts to analyze data, systems, policies, and initiatives, including grant budget spend‑down and development of tracking systems. Analyze, develop, and lead policies, projects, programs, research initiatives, and new systems; recommend new Branch procedures and policies. Lead and facilitate Branch and statewide meetings, monitor updates, and provide strategic revisions to the TB Branch workplan and the California TB Elimination Plan. Provide high‑level and confidential organizational support for grant preparation, submission, and stakeholder meetings. Respond independently to urgent and time‑sensitive requests across the Branch, communicate with local health department officials and staff on complex topics, and develop programmatic documents and meeting logistics. Prepare independent responses to executive leaders in other agencies; design complex presentations and sensitive communications, including technical documents, research findings, and health‑equity statements. Gather, assemble, and research analytical data; prepare reports and analyses on assigned issues, summarizing findings for internal and external audiences. Develop strategic communications and organizational plans aligned with CDPH and UCSF brand identity standards to support TB Elimination Plan measures and health‑equity partnerships. Analyze TB resource data to support funding and resource availability; prepare reports on operational activities and evaluate internal services such as MS Teams, SharePoint, and security structures. Develop white‑paper documents, presentations, executive reports, and meeting minutes on sensitive topics; conduct literature reviews on highly technical health‑care topics. Act as executive editor and lead for Branch communications on TB elimination. Analyze and evaluate Branch policies; provide guidance on enhancements and develop budgets, scopes of work, and reports for projects. Prepare, edit, and modify documents including research reports, manuscripts, presentations, and proposals; manage the clearance process for government documents. Collaborate with local health jurisdiction staff statewide to develop and review a TB prevention and elimination communication plan; oversee development of materials and design strategies. Assess and recommend changes to maintain compliance with Branch requirements and internal policies; develop proposals and recommendations for broader strategic direction. Serve as program specialist for TB elimination and the TB Cooperative Agreement HRD focal point, coordinating training, presentations, national focal point meetings, and associated reports. Schedule meetings, oversee and manage the Branch Chief’s calendar, and coordinate information‑technology needs for Branch staff. Develop new systems to meet human‑resource needs for new staff, ensuring trainings are completed and orientation documents are available. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience or training. At least three years of experience in tuberculosis disease control and prevention. Knowledge of common research‑specific and organizational computer applications. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written. Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. Analytical and problem‑solving skills. Strong skills in analyzing, researching, and synthesizing large amounts of data for proposals and analyses. Ability to multitask within demanding timeframes. Strong policy‑analysis techniques. Ability to exercise sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns. Ability to take, edit, and disseminate high‑quality notes from technical/medical meetings. Occasional local travel within California. Expertise in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Visio. Knowledge of communication‑design tools, including InDesign, Canva, and video editing software. Salary and Benefits Starting salary range: $72,000–$75,000. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy and may vary based on experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the relevant collective‑bargaining agreement. Additional benefits information and total compensation can be viewed at . Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr