Communications & Policy Program Manager

Augusta, ME 04330
Posted on  

Job Description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Health Program Manager
Opening Date: December 30, 2024

Closing Date: January 13, 2025

Job Class Code: 4240
Grade: 26 (Supervisory)
Salary: $59,716.80 - $84,468.80 per year
Position Number: 02000-3090
Position Location: This is a full-time position located in Augusta. This opportunity allows partial telework with management approval.

The Maine CDC Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention and Control Program (TSUPC) is hiring a Communications & Policy Program Manager to provide expertise and leadership on communication efforts relating to prevention of tobacco use, substance misuse, suicide, and injury. This position also includes a focus on communication related to adolescent health and works across the Division of Disease Prevention to help identify and coordinate opportunities for collaborative communication efforts.

The Communications & Policy Program Manager provides oversight of the TSUPC’s online Maine Prevention Store, constituent requests, and program websites. This role contributes to the TSUPC, Maine CDC, and Division strategic planning processes. This position serves as the agreement manager for the TSUPC mass-reach health communication contract which includes managing contract amendments, performance, meeting with the provider and monitoring of budgets, invoices, and deliverables. This position also provides leadership and assistance with the Maine Prevention Network program initiatives, communication review and approval, RFP and contracting processes. This position provides leadership, oversight and accountability for these efforts.

The position currently manages one Communications and Policy team member within the TSUPC Program, including the development and implementation of their annual workplan with goals and measurable objectives.

Core Responsibilities
As a key member of the TSUPC Program team, core responsibilities will include:
  • Supporting development, reviewing and approval of internal and external communications for TSUPC Program.
  • Continuing to enhance value of TSUPC presentations, reports, resources and websites by improving effectiveness and consistency of layouts, design, and content quality.
  • Implementing communication strategies through print, electronic, and social media channels to support TSUPC program goals; working to enhance the value and reach of Maine CDC social media accounts.
  • Contributing to the TSUPC, Maine CDC, and Division strategic planning process and initiatives.
  • Overseeing the TSUPC Prevention Store clearing house; working closely with Program to ensure seamless, timely, and accurate order fulfillment process by strengthening inventory management, shipping, and customer service.
  • Providing support to TSUPC Program, Division Director, Division Staff, and Media Relations Manager on communications and internal processes.
  • Developing an annual TSUPC Program communication plan, including timelines for mass-reach health communications.
  • Providing assistance to the Division in the work of tracking and monitoring legislative bills during the respective Legislative Session. May also support review of testimony (written and oral) content to ensure alignment with program goals. Producing a summary of the Legislative Session that highlights the impact of the Session on program categorical areas.
  • Improving Division work and integration efforts through participation and leadership or workgroups, initiatives and meetings.
  • Increasing collaboration and education opportunities to improve Program and Maine CDC communication efforts to address health equity and reach priority populations including New Mainers, indigenous communities, underserved rural communities, LGBTQ, and other disparate populations.
  • Managing communications, staff work priorities and performance in alignment with TSUPC program goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).
A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health or Health Sciences, Health Education, one of the Behavioral Sciences, Public Administration, or Education -AND- three (3) years’ experience in health program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation -OR- an equivalent seven (7) year combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred candidates will also have:
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Strong understanding of community-level policy development
  • Experience with contract oversight, competitive procurement process and project management skills
  • Ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize a variety of information for various audiences and stakeholders
  • Demonstrated skill applying best practices and standards for health communication
  • Ability to establish, build and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners
  • Ability to facilitate groups and speak publicly
  • Demonstrated experience working effectively both as a team leader and as a team member
  • Experience in media relations and public outreach
  • Prior supervisory and performance management experience

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The mission for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), within which this position is located, is to develop and deliver services to preserve, protect, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

For additional information about this position please contact Elizabeth Palazzo, Director, Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention and Control Program at Elizabeth.Palazzo@Maine.gov

  • To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your application.

Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.Smith@Maine.gov .

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

  • Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
  • Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
  • Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
  • Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

  • Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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