Salary : $2,559.20 - $3,820.00 Biweekly
Location : Lansing, MI
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 3901-26-PH-HW-033-EST
Department: Health and Human Services - Central Office
Opening Date: 09/16/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: NON-EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTED EMPLOYEE (NERE)

Job Description
The Tobacco Health Strategy and Policy Specialist for the Tobacco Section is the sole source of policy expertise in the Tobacco Section. The tobacco health strategy and policy specialist is responsible for all duties related to policy for the tobacco control program, which is highly political, and is responsible for numerous bill analysis annually. This position supports the Smoke Free Air Law enforcement program the Tobacco Section is legally mandated to provide. The Smoke Free Air Law enforcement program receives considerable annual political focus and receives numerous legislative inquiries and FOIA requests annually and bills introduced. A comprehensive tobacco control program must include specialized policy efforts at the local, state and national level to be successful in reducing tobacco use rates. This specialized policy role is critical to the Tobacco Section's success in reducing tobacco use rates.

This position tracks tobacco-related bills, budget introductions, and policies at the local, state and national level. This position develops summaries of bill updates, budgets, policy work and creates bill analysis working closely with MDHHS Legislative Affairs and Legal Services. This position supports funded and unfunded coalitions and local organizations in their policy strategies. This policy specialist position supports the Michigan Indoor Smoke Free Air Law program in the Tobacco Section related to legislative and executive inquiries, bill analysis, and completing required statutory requirements.

As the tobacco policy specialist, this position leads policy work that is critical in a comprehensive tobacco control program. This includes providing direct policy tasks, coordinating and collaborating with community coalitions working on state and local policies, collaborating with national partners working toward policy change, supporting tobacco section staff on policy strategies and policy technical assistance local partners may need. This specialist provides contract oversight and technical assistance to community contracts that address strategic policy objectives. The National and State Tobacco Control grant through the CDC has significant required policy activities as part of a comprehensive tobacco control program that this position is responsible.
The Tobacco Section utilizes a community driven approach and requires all staff to partner and collaborate with community members who are the experts in their community. This position must utilize a framework in the development and implementation of partner relationships that allows partners to identify their community needs and desired methods to address them including programs, strategies, and training to ensure we are working collaboratively and successfully to reduce high tobacco use and prevent tobacco use. As requested, we provide technical assistance, data, and suggestions to help community partners achieve their goals.
To be considered for this position you must:

• apply for this position online via NEOGOV; click on "Apply" in the job posting for instructions on submitting your electronic application. Hard copy applications are not accepted.
• relevant experience and/or education referred to in supplemental questions must be documented in resume, transcript and/or application to allow for accurate screening.
• attach a resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment. Dates of employment should include month and year and hours per week.
• attach a cover letter.
• if applicable, attach a copy of an official transcript(s). We accept scanned copies of official transcripts. We do not accept web-based, internet, or copies of unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts provide the name of the institution, confirmation that a degree was awarded and on what date, and the registrar's signature.

Failure to complete any of the above items may result in your application not being considered. See instructions for attaching files here:
Required Education and Experience

Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major
Preferred: Bachelor's or master's degree in health policy, public policy, political science, public administration and policy, or public health policy.

Experience
Four years of professional experience, including two years equivalent to the experienced (P11) level or one year equivalent to the advanced (12) level.
Preferred: Experience in tobacco-related policy issues at the state and local level, experience with legislative processes, experience or familiarity with bills and bill analysis, and/or experience working with community organizations or members.

Additional Requirements and Information
The physical location of this position is the Elliott-Larsen Building, at 320 S. Walnut Street, Lansing, MI. Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate or hybrid work schedule requests for this position may be considered.

Selected candidates who have been approved to work remotely or a hybrid schedule must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.

Employees will be provided computers to perform state work. Phones may also be provided for necessary communications. If working remotely, employees will be responsible for providing other components of a remote office at their own expense, including:

• A secure work location that allows privacy and prevents distractions.
• A high-speed internet connection of at least 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload.
• Suitable lighting, furniture, and utilities.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process; including, but not limited to, responses to application questions, and responses to interview questions or exercises.

YOUR APPLICATION FOR ANY POSITION DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE DEPARTMENT/AGENCY FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION. ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS INTERVIEWED WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE RESULTS.

The department reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

If you previously held status in this classification and departed within the last three (3) years, please contact Human Resources regarding your interest in a potential reinstatement. Reinstatement is not guaranteed or required.

For information about this specific position, please email . Please reference the job posting number in subject line.