Tobacco Youth Prevention Program Specialist

Posting Information

Posting Number2026570

Posting/Functional TitleTobacco Youth Prevention Program Specialist

University Pay Plan TitleGrant Specialist

LocationSan Marcos

DepartmentTexas School Safety Center

Recruitment TypeOpen Recruiting

Job TypeFull-Time

Funding SourceGrant

Monthly Salary$4,476.24 - $5,000.00

Job CategoryExempt

Required Qualifications: Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.

• Experience working in public health, education, or a related field

• Experience delivering presentations to youth in middle and/or high school

• Experience delivering presentations to adult audiences

• Experience developing creative content for educational purposes such as guides, flyers, infographics, toolkits, etc.

• Experience in tobacco prevention and/or substance use prevention programming

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• Experience working with youth-led programs and/or youth empowerment programs

• Experience working with middle school or high school-aged youth in a school setting

• Experience using popular social media platforms

Job Description

The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is an official university-level research center at Texas State University. The TxSSC is tasked in Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code and the Governor’s Homeland Security Strategic Plan with key school safety initiatives and mandates. The TxSSC serves as the clearinghouse for the dissemination of safety and security information through research, training, and technical assistance for K-12 schools and junior colleges throughout the state of Texas. As a result, Texas has become a national leader in school safety practices and is relied upon for assistance and guidance from jurisdictions throughout the nation.

The Tobacco Youth Prevention Program Specialist will work closely with the Tobacco Youth Prevention Program Lead and the Youth Initiatives Coordinator to help implement the statewide tobacco youth prevention program known as Say What! Duties include developing youth-friendly resources, training, and educational materials regarding youth tobacco prevention.

This position will have the opportunity to research, develop, and deliver training curriculum and presentations (to be delivered in person, online, or through an online training module), technical assistance, and guidelines for best practices, and other resources focused specifically on engaging youth tobacco prevention. The position will require the development of these resources to be tailored for middle school and high school-aged youth, educators, parents, and community-based organizations.

Responsibilities also include managing Say What! Teen Ambassadors and 1) develop and/or provide leadership and advocacy training, 2) host monthly meetings to provide guidance and technical assistance for service agreement completion and program objectives, 3) serve as a mentor to empower ambassadors to educate youth and adults about the importance of engaging young people in tobacco prevention.

This position requires the ability to multi-task, shift priorities, and work independently to move tasks forward. This position is also required to perform the specific duties and functions described below:

Job Duties

• Research and develop content for online and in-person training for both youth and adult audiences.

• Assist in the planning and implementation of Say What! Action Summits and Say What! Texas Tobacco-Free Conference including content, agendas, activities, resources, and training materials.

• Attend, staff, and lead Say What! Action Summits, Say What! Tobacco-Free Conference, and other tobacco prevention training and events.

• Assist with management and content development of the Say What! website (txsaywhat.com), Say What! member portal, and all Say What! social media platforms.

• Manage mini-grant kit resources and other educational resources, including content development, assembly, mail-out/distribution (which includes transporting materials and supplies, lifting items, boxes and equipment up to 20 pounds).

• Assist in recruiting new Say What! members.

• Provide follow-up, technical assistance, and guidance as necessary to Say What! member groups.

• Manage and mentor the statewide Say What! Teen Ambassadors, provide ongoing avenues for communication, leadership training, and technical assistance.

• Compile program reports to track deliverables. Reports are required monthly, annually and upon request by funder or Youth Initiatives Coordinator.

• Coordinate and report activities for Say What! Teen Ambassadors, Say What! member groups, Texas Tobacco-Free Kids Day, and other events as assigned.

• Manage tasks and work assignments effectively and maintain control over all responsibilities to ensure deadlines are successfully met within required timelines.

• Maintain knowledge and expertise on engaging youth in tobacco prevention as well as youth-adult partnerships.

• Assist Associate Director and Youth Initiatives Coordinator by conducting other duties as assigned.

Additional Information to Applicants

• Occasional overnight travel – 10% to 15% of the time

• Required to work hours other than 8:00–5:00 as necessary, including occasional weekends

• Grant-funded program is currently supported through August 31, 2027, with strong potential for renewal.

• This position is based in San Marcos, TX. If selected for an interview, it will be conducted in person.

• Applicants selected for an interview will be required to present a 10–15-minute presentation about a youth tobacco prevention topic/issue. The presentation should be intended for a youth audience.

Job Open Date06/04/2026

Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight)06/24/2026

Open Until FilledNo

Normal Work DaysMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Normal Work Hours Start8:00AM

Normal Work Hours End5:00PM

Posting Notices

Legal and Required Notices

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provideacceptable documentation ( verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.

Why Choose Texas State University?

Join the Texas State Bobcat team and experience a career that offers more than just a job—it’s a path to a brighter future. As a Texas State employee, you’ll enjoy:

Exceptional Benefits:Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day.

Generous Time Off:Enjoy vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Wellness and Balance:Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family-friendly resources to support your personal well-being.

Professional Growth:Explore a wide range of training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs.

Welcoming Campus:Become part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks.

Tuition Benefits:Take advantage of tuition support for yourself and for your dependent children, making higher education more accessible for your family.

Retirement Security:Secure your future with TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions.

At Texas State University, you’re not just an employee—you’re a valued member of a thriving and beautiful campus community. Start your journey with us today.

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