Job Details

Position Summary

Well-being & Health Promotion at San Diego State University is seeking a Health Promotion Specialist to develop and deliver student-centered programs focused on alcohol and other substance misuse prevention. This position will help students make informed, lower-risk decisions through education, outreach, harm reduction strategies, Narcan training, presentations, workshops, and connections to health and wellness resources.

This interactive, student-facing role engages with students across campus rather than working primarily from a desk. The Health Promotion Specialist supports alcohol and other substance misuse prevention, along with a range of wellness, health literacy, and healthy lifestyle topics. Through planning, implementing, and evaluating prevention programs; creating educational materials and presentations; teaching or supporting Peer Health Education programming; and collaborating with campus departments, student organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders, this position promotes a healthy SDSU campus environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-informed alcohol and other substance misuse prevention programs, campaigns, workshops, presentations, and outreach activities.
• Provide student-facing outreach and education across campus, including presentations, guest lectures, seminars, health fairs, and other interactive programs.
• Develop and deliver harm reduction education on key health topics affecting college students, including alcohol and other drug use, in ways that are accessible and relevant.
• Plan and coordinate health promotion initiatives by establishing goals, identifying program priorities, developing timelines, and organizing resources and materials.
• Collect and analyze information to assess student needs, evaluate program effectiveness, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
• Support SDSU Well Being and Health Promotion initiatives by addressing topics such as nutrition, sexual health, sleep, stress management, tobacco education, recovery, health literacy, and wellness.
• Collaborate with other Health Education Specialists, campus departments, faculty, staff, student organizations, community groups, and other partners to support wellness programming and strengthen prevention efforts on campus.
• Support department priorities and emerging needs by contributing to special events, health promotion initiatives, public health response efforts, and other projects as assigned.

Why Join Us

• Make a direct impact on student well-being by helping prevent alcohol and substance misuse-related harms by promoting informed, lower-risk choices.
• Engage with students through meaningful and creative outreach, education, presentations, and campus programming in a highly interactive role. 
• Develop expertise in harm reduction, Narcan training, prevention programming, program evaluation, and health education.
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to create a healthier, safer, and more supportive university environment.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it's like to work at the CSU---watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. 
• 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 as the anticipated off month.
• 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 position is eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

Well-being and Health Promotion supports the holistic well-being of SDSU students through one-on-one and group education, community programs, campaigns, partnerships and collaborations. Staffed with a knowledgeable team of health education professionals, interns, and peer educators, the department's goal is to support students with all aspects of their health and well-being, including nutrition, alcohol and other drug use, sleep, healthy relationships, sexual health, violence prevention, recovery support and community, healthcare coverage support, as well as accessing resources on campus and in the community. 

For more information regarding SDSU 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 combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Key Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience assessing needs, using data and feedback to inform program priorities, and contributing 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters in Public Health or a related field.
• Two years experience working in a university health setting or similar.
• Experience with harm reduction strategies related to the use of alcohol and other drugs. 
• Two years of progressive health education and/or prevention programming experience. 
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification.

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 ($5,087.00 per month).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,087.00- $7,409.00 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 October 22nd, 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. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

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 Yura Boyce (yboyce@sdsu.edu)