SDSU Research Foundation is hiring: Communication Specialist, CTE in San Diego
SDSU Research Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
This position is open until filled, with an initial application review scheduled after April 30, 2026. The salary is budgeted at $31.00 per hour and is non‑negotiable. Please note that due to the potential for contamination of study samples, the incumbent must confirm they are not exposed to active use or residue from tobacco, electronic cigarettes or cannabis.
Overview
San Diego State University’s Center for Tobacco and the Environment (CTE) is an extramurally funded center established in 2022, co‑directed by Georg E. Matt, PhD, and Thomas Novotny, MD, PhD. CTE’s mission is to prevent, reduce, and eliminate tobacco’s toxic legacy of environmental pollution and harm to human health through research and community engagement. The center supports research on the environmental and health impacts of tobacco and contributes to California’s policy initiatives to end commercial tobacco sales and use by 2035.
This position will contribute to community outreach and dissemination by creating and maintaining educational content. The ideal candidate will develop stories about new tobacco‑related research and policy, update Center websites, grow our social‑media presence, and participate in stakeholder meetings and conferences to engage the community and raise awareness.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of this position is the creation and presentation of trustworthy content for an external audience (e.g., general public, tobacco‑control advocates).
Communication (80%)
Use multiple sources—including Center researchers, peer‑reviewed literature, popular press, partner organizations— to select content for short, accurate stories and messages about new research and/or policy initiatives for community audiences.
Use a variety of formats (e.g., text, infographics, video, audio) to increase community awareness of tobacco’s environmental impact, promote engagement, and advocate for policy initiatives.
Monitor, maintain, and update website content with new stories that disseminate research and policy on tobacco and the environment.
Create social‑media posts to increase awareness, promote engagement, and drive website traffic.
In collaboration with internal and external partners, periodically prepare and disseminate written press releases, reports, newsletters, trade‑group articles, factsheets, and similar materials.
Prepare and deliver oral presentations to community groups, tobacco‑prevention advocates, and other stakeholders.
Provide research‑based evidence to local and state government in the form of written or oral testimony, fact sheets, research summaries, etc.
Project Administration (20%)
Contribute to weekly editorial meetings, record decisions, assign creators, and set deadlines using project‑management software (e.g., Asana, Hootsuite).
Manage workflow and assignments to meet weekly writing/editing/posting deadlines.
Establish and adhere to a schedule for regular updates of static website content (e.g., FAQ).
Generate and oversee implementation of new website and social‑media content ideas in collaboration with the administrative team.
Prepare regular reports of website traffic, social‑media engagement, and other evaluation metrics.
Set user‑engagement targets and develop strategies to meet them.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge and Abilities
At least two years of experience with three or more communication channels, including oral presentations to non‑scientists.
Ability to analyze and synthesize peer‑reviewed studies and gather expert knowledge to produce educational content for target audiences.
Expertise in communicating with the general public and diverse communities.
Proficiency in plain language and health literacy.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, Hootsuite, Asana.
Knowledge of social‑media best practices (e.g., Facebook, Instagram).
Experience with website‑development software (e.g., WordPress, Elementor); experience with online survey software (e.g., Qualtrics) is a plus.
Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines.
Background in environmental science, health, or a related field.
Knowledge of the environmental and health impacts of tobacco.
Required Minimum Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.
Two years of experience using evidence‑based communication strategies.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in communications or a related field.
Three years of experience using evidence‑based communication strategies.
Additional Applicant Information
Candidate must reside in California and be within commuting distance from SDSU at the time of hire.
Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory background‑check clearance (including a criminal record check).
San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal‑opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil‑rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job.
SDSU Research Foundation complies with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, Proposition 209, and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
SDSU Research Foundation maintains a nondiscrimination policy that prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs and policies.
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Overview
San Diego State University’s Center for Tobacco and the Environment (CTE) is an extramurally funded center established in 2022, co‑directed by Georg E. Matt, PhD, and Thomas Novotny, MD, PhD. CTE’s mission is to prevent, reduce, and eliminate tobacco’s toxic legacy of environmental pollution and harm to human health through research and community engagement. The center supports research on the environmental and health impacts of tobacco and contributes to California’s policy initiatives to end commercial tobacco sales and use by 2035.
This position will contribute to community outreach and dissemination by creating and maintaining educational content. The ideal candidate will develop stories about new tobacco‑related research and policy, update Center websites, grow our social‑media presence, and participate in stakeholder meetings and conferences to engage the community and raise awareness.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of this position is the creation and presentation of trustworthy content for an external audience (e.g., general public, tobacco‑control advocates).
Communication (80%)
Use multiple sources—including Center researchers, peer‑reviewed literature, popular press, partner organizations— to select content for short, accurate stories and messages about new research and/or policy initiatives for community audiences.
Use a variety of formats (e.g., text, infographics, video, audio) to increase community awareness of tobacco’s environmental impact, promote engagement, and advocate for policy initiatives.
Monitor, maintain, and update website content with new stories that disseminate research and policy on tobacco and the environment.
Create social‑media posts to increase awareness, promote engagement, and drive website traffic.
In collaboration with internal and external partners, periodically prepare and disseminate written press releases, reports, newsletters, trade‑group articles, factsheets, and similar materials.
Prepare and deliver oral presentations to community groups, tobacco‑prevention advocates, and other stakeholders.
Provide research‑based evidence to local and state government in the form of written or oral testimony, fact sheets, research summaries, etc.
Project Administration (20%)
Contribute to weekly editorial meetings, record decisions, assign creators, and set deadlines using project‑management software (e.g., Asana, Hootsuite).
Manage workflow and assignments to meet weekly writing/editing/posting deadlines.
Establish and adhere to a schedule for regular updates of static website content (e.g., FAQ).
Generate and oversee implementation of new website and social‑media content ideas in collaboration with the administrative team.
Prepare regular reports of website traffic, social‑media engagement, and other evaluation metrics.
Set user‑engagement targets and develop strategies to meet them.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge and Abilities
At least two years of experience with three or more communication channels, including oral presentations to non‑scientists.
Ability to analyze and synthesize peer‑reviewed studies and gather expert knowledge to produce educational content for target audiences.
Expertise in communicating with the general public and diverse communities.
Proficiency in plain language and health literacy.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, Hootsuite, Asana.
Knowledge of social‑media best practices (e.g., Facebook, Instagram).
Experience with website‑development software (e.g., WordPress, Elementor); experience with online survey software (e.g., Qualtrics) is a plus.
Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines.
Background in environmental science, health, or a related field.
Knowledge of the environmental and health impacts of tobacco.
Required Minimum Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.
Two years of experience using evidence‑based communication strategies.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in communications or a related field.
Three years of experience using evidence‑based communication strategies.
Additional Applicant Information
Candidate must reside in California and be within commuting distance from SDSU at the time of hire.
Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory background‑check clearance (including a criminal record check).
San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal‑opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil‑rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job.
SDSU Research Foundation complies with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, Proposition 209, and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
SDSU Research Foundation maintains a nondiscrimination policy that prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs and policies.
#J-18808-Ljbffr