Health Promotion Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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)

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California's capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre park-like campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million.

Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and Black-Serving Institution (BSI). The university enrolls around 31,000 students from the Greater Sacramento Region, throughout California, across the nation, and around the world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:

"As California's capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing all students to lead, serve, and succeed. We are committed to our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, and a Black Serving Institution, and to intentionally serving students reflective of these designations and all students who have been historically underserved in education."

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued.  Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning. 

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html

The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the ...