Research Associate I: Public Health Educator

About the position The Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine, in partnership with the Maine CDC, is seeking a Research Associate I: Public Health Educator. The Public Health Educator assists with the development and distribution of environmental health messages and materials for a variety of audiences, using health communication best practices, primarily about Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The Public Health Educator will work with Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry’s (DACF) PFAS Response Program team to develop educational materials about PFAS in agricultural soils, water, plants, and animals, and will deliver those materials to appropriate audiences. The Public Health Educator will work with the Maine CDC Toxicology Unit team to develop, evaluate, and update health communication materials related to PFAS, and will distribute those materials to impacted residents and clinical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with content experts to develop, test, and disseminate public health information through a variety of channels, including mass media, web-based, interpersonal and community channels.
• Conducts formative, process and summative evaluations, including literature reviews, research (e.g., interviews, surveys, focus groups), activity tracking, and other quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods.
• Supports the communication and outreach initiatives of partner public health agencies, organizations and educational programs to reach common high-risk segments of the population and to achieve common goals.
• Advances the field of health education by planning, implementing and evaluating public health educational activities using accepted methods and disseminating results through publications in professional literature and participation in professional meetings.

Requirements

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to develop plain language messages about complex information.
• The ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize a variety of information.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of disseminating health education information effectively.
• Demonstrated skill in applying best practices and standards for health communication, page layout, and information design.
• Skilled in writing and developing digital content for various platforms.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external partners.
• Skilled in use of standard computer software packages, including Microsoft Office programs and graphic design software.
• Able to give presentations about basic program information and to conduct trainings for a variety of audiences.
• Able to work on multiple projects consecutively while maintaining accuracy, paying attention to detail, and meeting project deadlines.
• Able to function effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to translate complex scientific or regulatory information into plain language and actionable messages.
• Demonstrated skill using relevant software such as Microsoft Office products, presentation programs, Adobe Creative products (e.g., Dreamweaver, InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat) and others as needed.
• Possess an attitude that fosters a respectful, non-threatening workplace environment.
• Master’s Degree in Public Health with a focus on health communication or health promotion or equivalent experience in a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years work experience in the health education field with experience in social marketing, and evaluation of materials, campaigns and programs.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time.
• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
• A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren).
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Free access to the METRO system, including the Husky Line with service between our Portland and Gorham campuses.