Communication Specialist, CTE

San Diego State University’s Center for Tobacco and the Environment (CTE) , co‑directed by Georg E. Matt, PhD, and Thomas Novotny, MD, PhD, is an extramurally funded center established in 2022. CTE’s mission is to prevent, reduce, and eliminate tobacco’s toxic legacy of environmental pollution and harm to human health. The center serves diverse communities affected by the environmental impacts of commercial tobacco sales and use and contributes to California’s comprehensive policy initiatives to end commercial tobacco sales and use by 2035. This position will contribute to the Center’s community outreach and dissemination through creation and maintenance of educational content. The ideal candidate will create stories about new tobacco‑related research and policy, update Center websites, expand our social media presence, and participate in stakeholder meetings and conferences, with the goal of engaging the community and increasing awareness, promoting outreach, and highlighting new findings that support new and ongoing policy initiatives. Responsibilities Research, interpret, and summarize relevant peer‑reviewed studies, popular media stories, and other tobacco‑related information for dissemination using multiple communication channels such as the Center’s websites and social media platforms, articles for trade publications, fact sheets, infographics, podcasts, and oral presentations. Communicate complex research and policy content clearly to a range of stakeholders, manage time to produce quality work on deadlines, and collaborate effectively in a changing community‑needs environment. Communication (80%) Use multiple sources, including Center researchers and their affiliates, peer‑reviewed literature, popular press, partner organizations, health volunteers, and other established sources to select content for short, accurate stories and messages about new research and/or policy initiatives for community audiences. Use a variety of formats (e.g., text, infographics, video and audio recordings) to reach community audiences with a goal of increasing community awareness about the environmental impact of tobacco, promoting engagement, and advocating for policy initiatives. Monitor, maintain, and update website content with new stories designed to disseminate research and policy related to tobacco and the environment. Create social media posts to increase awareness, promote engagement, and increase website traffic. In collaboration with internal and external partners, periodically prepare and disseminate written press releases, reports, newsletter and trade group articles, factsheets, etc. Prepare and deliver oral presentations to community groups, tobacco prevention advocates, and other interested stakeholders. Provide research‑based evidence to local and state government in the form of written or oral testimony, fact sheets, research summaries, etc. Project Administration (20%) Contribute to weekly editorial meetings, record decisions, assign creators, and set deadlines using project management software (e.g., Asana, Hootsuite). Manage workflow and assignments to ensure weekly writing/editing/posting deadlines are met. Establish and adhere to a schedule for regular updates of static website content (e.g., Frequently Asked Questions). In collaboration with the administrative team, generate ideas for new website and social media content and oversee implementation. Prepare regular reports of website traffic, social media engagement, and other metrics of evaluation. In collaboration with the administrative team, set targets for user engagement and develop and implement strategies to meet those targets. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge and Abilities Two years of experience using at least three communication channels, including oral presentations, with non‑scientists. Ability to analyze and synthesize peer‑reviewed studies and elicit subject matter expert knowledge to produce educational content for target audiences (e.g., general public, tobacco control advocates). Expertise in communicating with the general public and diverse communities. Expertise in plain language and health literacy. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, Hootsuite, Asana. Knowledge of social media best practices (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). Knowledge of or experience with website development software (e.g., WordPress, Elementor). Knowledge of or experience with online survey software (e.g., Qualtrics). Ability to prioritize and multitask and meet deadlines. Background in environmental science, health, or a related field. Knowledge of the environmental and health impacts of tobacco. Required Minimum Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field. Two years of experience using evidence‑based communication strategies. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in communications or a related field. Three years of experience using evidence‑based communication strategies. Additional Applicant Information Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at the time of hire. Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check). San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal‑opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil‑rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law. Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices. SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit. #J-18808-Ljbffr San Diego State University