Health Education Specialist - Nutrition

Job no: 560949
Work type: Staff
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 2 - CSUEU - Health Care Support, Probationary, Health Professionals, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Working Title: Health Education Specialist - Nutrition

Classification Title: Health Educator

Posting Details

Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled): Monday, September 7, 2026 @ 11:55pm PT

Hiring Preference

Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of CARES, Basic Needs & Wellness in Student Health and Counseling & Wellness Services (SHCWS), the Health Promotion Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, planning and evaluating nutrition and other health education programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the overall well-being and healthy lifestyle choices of students, within the university community. Your role will involve collaborating and overseeing student assistants completing academic internships, working with various university departments, student organizations, oversight of the Teaching Kitchen and cooking demos, and collaborating with external partners to create a comprehensive health promotion strategy. The Health Promotion Specialist will work collaboratively with the Health and Wellness Promotion (HWP) department team, SHCWS staff, and campus partners to coordinate the Peer Health Educator Program, deliver student health education, and promote campus policy, systems, and environmental changes to support student wellness. The Health Promotion Specialist is responsible for design, develop, and implementation of evidence-based health education programs and initiatives tailored to the needs and interests of the university community. The Health Promotion Specialist provides leadership in identifying goals for and developing health promotion programs to address long and short-term campus health promotion needs utilizing best practices in health to create a campus environment that supports students in their wellbeing and academic success, reduce stigma and barriers to seeking health services, and promote positive student health behaviors.

FLSA: Exempt (not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: The starting salary for this position is anticipated at $5,549 per month (Step 1).

CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,549 per month (Step 1) - $8,083 per month (Step 20)

Salary step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more

CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more

Salary Grade/Range: 1

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base: Full-Time

Work Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm / Monday - Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends based on operational needs.

Department Information

Student Health, Counseling and Wellness center provides an integrated approach to care combining both physical, mental and various needs of our students. This approach acknowledges the intricate connection between mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness, recognizing that a person's mental health cannot be isolated from their overall health. Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals fosters an inclusive culture that addresses systemic disparities and creates an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel respected, valued, and are provided with equitable access to quality care. Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services (SHCWS) staff are committed to continuously providing exceptional service for our campus community. We offer a variety of services that are available in-person and online using secure remote technology.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of health education theories, research, and program assessment; planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of health education programs; and industry standards for the delivery of health education in higher education. General knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, current and emerging college age student health problems and existing methods of intervention and control. Working knowledge of the principles of educational and social psychology and how they apply to a health education program; and applicable industry standards and practices for health promotion such as those found in the American College Health Association's "Standards of Practice for Health Promotion in Higher Education."

Abilities:

Ability to assess needs and establish or recommend program priorities and goals and develop plans to achieve goals; collect, compile, chart, and analyze data pertinent to health education program planning; plan, organize, conduct or oversee a variety of health education programs and activities including discussion groups and workshops; develop educational materials and media such as pamphlets, audio and video materials, and electronic media; present ideas and information accurately, effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing; use computer and web-based information technology systems as a resource for research and providing health education programs; maintain confidentiality consistent with applicable laws and regulations; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, students, medical, and other health professionals, representatives of the news media, and other community groups.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in an approved program in health education or a related health field. Equivalent to one to two years of progressively responsible health education experience or combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in public health, Health Science, or other related field or equivalent in an approved program in health education or a related health field. Equivalent to two years of progressively responsible nutrition, health education experience or combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.
2. Professional work experience developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating health education programs and activities
3. Knowledge of the principles of nutrition, dietary needs, and weight management
4. Knowledge and demonstrated ability to provide nutritional information through workshops/presentations, social media, cooking demonstrations with an emphasis on those with low food security.
5. Ability to evaluate and develop nutrition programs, education materials, and resources.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of top college health issues, including sexuality/reproductive health, sexual/dating violence, nutrition and eating disorders, alcohol/tobacco/drug abuse, and mental health.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of health promotion, behavior change, and public health theories and models; evidence-informed health promotion programs; and environmental change strategies/socio-ecological model.
8. Demonstrated skills in developing and facilitating a variety of educational methods designed to improve knowledge, skills, and behaviors, including presentations, workshops, training, individual behavior change sessions, and small group discussion/facilitation.
9. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, health equity, and cultural competence and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
10. Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including working effectively in a team environment and collaborating with a variety of partners and stakeholders.
11. Ability to select, train, oversee and evaluate student staff.
12. Organizational skills to maintain accuracy and optimize efficiency of materials, information, projects, and records.
13. Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite Products, ability to document in an electronic medical record, standard software programs, and audio/visual equipment.
14. Ability to obtain and maintain a ServSafe Certification
15. Ability to obtain and maintain Basic Life Support/Current CPR certification
16. Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community

Condition of Employment:

• Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's degree in public health, health science, or another related field.
2. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES); Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) - For professionals with a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition or related fields.
3. Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist (BCHN) - Ideal if you incorporate holistic wellness into student support.
4. Precision Nutrition Level 1 (PN1) - A well-recognized certification for behavior-based nutrition coaching.
5. Experience supervising, training, instructing and mentoring students in a university or college environment.
6. Experience with critical review of professional and academic literature related to nutrition and health and wellness promotion, especially among college students.
7. Experience applying health promotion, behavior change, and public health theories and models; evidence-informed health promotion programs; and policy/systems/environmental change strategies/socio-ecological model to a student population.
8. Experience gathering, compiling and synthesizing information for application in strategic program planning and evaluation.
9. Experience in identifying funding opportunities and applying for and managing grants.

Licenses/Certifications

Required:

• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Basic Life Support CPR (or ability to obtain)

Preferred:

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
• Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
• Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist (BCHN)
• Precision Nutrition Level 1 (PN1)

Documents Needed to Apply

• Cover Letter
• CV (Resume)
• Copies of Applicable Certifications (See List Above)