Position Description:
The Tobacco Free Community Specialist is responsible for implementing strategies and tactics to achieve goals, focusing on partnerships with organizations serving populations most impacted by tobacco and on promoting smoke-free air by eliminating secondhand smoke. This position will primarily work on efforts addressing Smoke-Free Communities and will conduct outreach to youth and adults to share prevention programs and cessation resources, and to educate the public on various aspects of tobacco and nicotine use. This position reports to the Program Director of the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County, affiliated with the Valparaiso University College of Nursing and Health Professions.

 Major Responsibilities:

• Expanding reach by participating in primarily Porter County (with some regional/state) community events, conferences, meetings, and/or fairs within assigned geographic areas to promote events, campaigns, and resources.
• Develop and disseminate materials and messaging necessary to conduct outreach and educate critical individuals, groups, and community organizations.
• Building a grassroots support network of residents and employers to support local smoke-free workplaces and city and county initiatives.
• Supporting the coalition to strategize and collaborate with those who serve marginalized populations, including middle school and high school youth.
• Support the coalition in strategizing action and providing training and programming to reduce youth commercial tobacco use in the county through policies and programs, especially alternative school policies.
• Other duties include collaborating with the Program Director of the Tobacco Education & Prevention Coalition for Porter County.
• Submit periodic electronic reports as required.

 Required Knowledge and Skills:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is preferred in Health Education, Public Health, Communication, or one of the social, behavioral, or medical sciences.
• A minimum of one to two years of related experience in research, tobacco/smoking cessation, vaping prevention, health policy, public health outreach, community engagement, or health education.

Other Qualifications:

• Strong leadership skills, especially in the area of community engagement, outreach, and/or coalition building
• Community organization skills; experience recruiting and organizing volunteers
• Marketing and networking skills; experience with developing community relationships
• Adept at the promotion of events and efforts via social media and the use of Canva
• An understanding of public health principles and best practices
• The ability to work independently in the office, hybrid, or remotely as necessary
• Excellent written and oral communication, including public speaking skills
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to multitask while maintaining a professional demeanor
• Physical lifting may be required for materials, event displays, or AV equipment.
• Experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and WordPress
• Passion for the pursuit of health equity for all

 Additional Information

• Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds. All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Carolyn Higgins, Program Director
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana