Tobacco Youth Prevention Sr Specialist

Posting Information

Posting Number

2026119

Posting/Functional Title

Tobacco Youth Prevention Sr Specialist

University Pay Plan Title

Sr Program Specialist

Location

San Marcos

Department

Texas School Safety Center

Recruitment Type

Open Recruiting

Job Type

Full-Time

Funding Source

Grant

Monthly Salary

$6,000 - $6,667

Job Category

Exempt

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

• Experience directing/leading project teams
• Experience in implementing youth leadership programming
• 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
• Experience in tobacco prevention and/or substance use prevention programming

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Knowledge about tobacco prevention and laws pertaining to tobacco
• Demonstrated experience in managing programmatic budgets
• Experience planning and coordinating events and/or conferences
• Experience using various social media platforms
• Experience managing and operating online training 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 Senior Specialist will report directly to the Youth Initiatives Coordinator and is a part of the Youth and Community Initiatives Division within the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University.

The Senior Specialist will serve as the team lead for the Tobacco Youth Prevention Program and will be known as the Youth Tobacco Prevention Program Lead. This position will work closely with the Youth Initiatives Coordinator to advance programmatic work to support the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of the statewide Tobacco Youth Prevention Program (Say What). This position requires the ability to multi-task, shift priorities, and work independently to move tasks forward.

This position performs functions such as serving as project lead, coordinating and scheduling events, assigning tasks, managing the work of others as well as serving as programmatic liaison and contact with key tobacco prevention stakeholders. This position DOES NOT directly supervise others.

This position allows for considerable latitude for independent judgement, initiative, and action within the program.

Job Duties

• Collaborate with Tobacco Youth Prevention Program staff to implement the Say What program
• Provide regular updates to Youth Initiatives Coordinator regarding program progress, recommendations, challenges, opportunities for collaboration, etc.
• Develop and design creative content aimed at educating youth and adults in tobacco prevention education for various resources including presentations, facilitator guides, toolkits, infographics, webinars, training modules, etc.
• Deliver and present creative content through various settings including Teams, Zoom, face to face, and podcasts
• Manage the Say What website ) and Say What member portal
• Plan, develop and implement Texas Tobacco-Free Kids Day statewide awareness project to include marketing, communication, and ensuring participating groups report on projects/events implemented
• Promote various other statewide and national events and awareness efforts, including World No Tobacco Day, Red Ribbon Week, and Great American Smoke-Out.
• Attend, staff, and lead Say What Texas Tobacco-Free Summit, Say What Texas Tobacco-Free Conference, and other tobacco prevention trainings and events
• Plan, develop and implement in-person Say What Texas Tobacco-Free Summits to include agenda development, recruitment of participants, scheduling of presenters, materials development, logistics, securing site location, etc.
• Plan, develop and implement virtual Say What Action Summits to include content development, marketing, communication, managing registration, preparing Teen Ambassadors for filming
• Assist Youth Initiatives Coordinator in planning, developing and implementing Say What Texas Tobacco-Free Conference to include agenda development, marketing, recruitment of participants, scheduling of presenters, materials development, logistics, securing site location, etc.
• Oversee the statewide youth leadership advisory group, the Say What Teen Ambassadors, facilitating and ensuring participation and input for the Say What movement
• Oversee the development and implementation of the statewide Mini-Grant Kit program to include marketing, communication, and ensuring participating groups report on projects/events implemented
• Oversee development and implementation of Say What social media platforms
• Travel to remote locations to oversee and coordinate tobacco youth prevention events and training
• Serve as program's point of contact for key tobacco prevention stakeholders statewide and nationally and Say What members
• Maintain knowledge and expertise regarding youth leadership and tobacco prevention
• Prepare monthly quarterly, and annual program summary reports to meet reporting requirements and deadlines
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Information to Applicants

Full-Time

Grant-funded program. Funded through August 31, 2026, with chances of renewal promising.

NORMAL WORK HRS: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (additional hours/some evenings and weekends and overnight travel as necessary) 10-15% overnight travel required

Job Open Date

10/31/2025

Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight)

Open Until Filled

Yes

Normal Work Days

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Normal Work Hours Start

8:00AM

Normal Work Hours End

5:00PM

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.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The University will not sponsor or assume sponsorship of any candidate requiring a petition for a H1B employment visa.

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.