Health Promotion Specialist (Health Educator)

Company: San Diego State University
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Position Summary San Diego State University (SDSU) is seeking a passionate, creative, and student-centered Health Educator / Health Promotion Specialist to help shape a campus culture where students thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially. This role is ideal for a health education professional who loves designing programs, engaging students, and turning evidence-based practices into meaningful learning experiences. You will work at the intersection of education, prevention, and well-being, helping students build lifelong skills that support both academic success and healthy lives beyond college. What You will Do: Educate, Engage, and Inspire Design and Deliver High-Impact Health Education Create, implement, and evaluate evidence-based health promotion programs that address real, evolving student needs. Implement alcohol and other drug misuse prevention programming, campaigns, presentations and training. Provide training related to the use of Naloxone. Shape a Culture of Prevention and Well-Being Focus on prevention, harm reduction, and skill-building around key health topics affecting college students, specifically alcohol and other drug use. Use data, assessment, and student feedback to refine programs and set priorities that make a measurable impact. Develop engaging educational materials across print, digital, and multimedia platforms to reach students where they are. Collaborate Across Campus and Community Partner with students, campus departments, and health professionals to deliver coordinated, holistic health initiatives. Serve as a campus resource on student health and wellness topics, contributing expertise to programs, committees, and collaborations. Stay current on trends and best practices in college health promotion and apply them creatively in a higher education setting. Grow, Innovate, and Make a Difference Experiment with new approaches to health education using technology, peer engagement, and interactive learning. Contribute to program evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts. Be part of a mission-driven team committed to equity, inclusion, and student success. Why You will Love Working at SDSU Make a direct, visible impact on student well-being and success. Work in a collaborative, prevention-focused environment guided by national best practices. Use creativity, data, and education to design programs that matter. Join a vibrant campus community committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth. Position Information This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. This appointment is for an 11/12 pay-plan position. The incumbent works 11 months per year and is paid over 12 months, with June 2027 as the first off month. The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego. Department Summary Well-being & Health Promotion is part of San Diego State University’s Student Health Services and plays a vital role in supporting students’ overall health, resilience, and success. The department focuses on prevention, education, and early intervention, helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about their health and well-being—both during their time at SDSU and beyond. Through evidence-based programming, peer education, workshops, outreach, and campus partnerships, Well-being & Health Promotion addresses key issues impacting college students, including stress management, alcohol and other drug use, sexual health, relationships, mental well-being, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The team works collaboratively with students, campus departments, and community partners to create engaging, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning experiences. Grounded in national best practices and a commitment to equity and belonging, Well-being & Health Promotion contributes to SDSU’s holistic approach to student success by fostering a campus culture that values care, connection, and personal responsibility. The department is energized by innovation, collaboration, and a shared belief that health education is central to academic achievement and lifelong well-being. For more information regarding Well-Being and Health Promotion, click here . 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 a combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Key Qualifications Two years of progressively responsible experience in health education, health promotion, prevention, or a closely related area, preferably in a university health setting. Demonstrated knowledge of health education theories, prevention strategies, and best practices for planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion programs—particularly in higher education or community settings. Demonstrated experience designing and delivering health education programs, workshops, training, or outreach initiatives for diverse audiences. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to facilitate discussions, present information clearly, and collaborate effectively with students, colleagues, and campus partners. Ability to assess needs, use data and feedback to inform program priorities, and contribute to evaluation and continuous improvement efforts. Proficiency with digital tools and web-based platforms for program delivery, communication, and reporting, while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws and policies. Experience with harm reduction strategies related to the use of alcohol and other drugs. Experience with programming around the prevention of alcohol and other drug related consequences. Master’s in Public Health or behavioral-health related Master’s degree is preferred. Compensation and Benefits San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Compensation : Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines. Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($5,087). Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement. CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,087–$7,409 per month (Step 1 – Step 20). Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations. Full Benefits Package Includes : Generous Time Off : 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Retirement : CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC. Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost. Education Support : CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents. Optional Offerings : FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans. Campus & Community : Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities. Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview . SDSU Values At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion. Principles of Community At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI 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), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all. Supplemental Information Apply by March 26, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled. The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here . Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu .

Keywords: San Diego State University, Santee , Health Promotion Specialist (Health Educator), Healthcare , San Diego, California