Communications & Policy Program Manager

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

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 p