(Hybrid) Program Specialist - Center for ActiveWV, School of Sport Sciences

The WV Healthy Schools in Action Project, housed in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, Center for ActiveWV, is seeking applications for a (Hybrid) Program Specialist.

About the Opportunity

The Program Specialist will manage a multi-year service grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The project aims to develop targeted approaches to improve physical activity, healthy dietary behaviors, and self-management of chronic health conditions of school-aged children and youth in schools. These outcomes will be achieved through the application of evidence-based strategies throughout the state of West Virginia, with an emphasis on implementation in Mercer County Schools. The involved strategies will focus on school policies, practices, programs, and services promoting healthy behaviors and health equity. The position's primary purpose will be coordinating all aspects of the program delivery, interfacing with state and local school and community partners, and facilitating the contributions of other team members.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Provide program leadership for developing, implementing, and evaluating a five-year school-based health initiative.
• Identify state, district, and school-level priority needs through regular communication with key stakeholders.
• Establish a State Health Coalition with representatives from all CDC Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child framework components.
• Contribute to developing the program website, social media, and other dissemination efforts targeting program outcomes.
• Organize and facilitate county assessments and project activities under the direction of the principal investigator and co-investigators
• Maintain accurate schedules of programs/meetings, professional development, and other project-related activities.
• Assist in writing and disseminating program reports for CDC, WVDE, and other school-community partners.
• Collaborate with co-investigators and school personnel to develop and manage all School Health Action Plans.
• Work with Mercer County school personnel assigned to the project to gather school information and input as needed.
• Oversee the logistical information for meetings and events, such as travel, room set-up, speakers, etc.
• Manage budgetary items related to Mercer County school partners, including funds provided per school each year based on their School Health Action Plan.
• Submit progress, budget, and evaluation reports to the project team regularly
• Contribute to decision-making regarding project planning, management, implementation, and evaluation modifications.
• Travel periodically to WV schools.
• Other duties as assigned based on operational need.

• BS/BA degree in a school health related field.
• 0-6 months of experience working in schools with children and/or adolescents.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to prepare reports and present ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently, exercising sound professional judgment.
• Ability to rapidly learn institution, federal, and state statutes and regulations impacting the program.
• Ability to handle a high level of detail.
• Ability to maintain proper attendance and punctuality standards.
• Knowledge of current school-related health issues.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple groups, including the Project Team, the state leadership, the county leadership, the school leadership, teachers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and deal tactfully with external agencies.
• Knowledge of the mission, goals, and policies of the grant and program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, Public Health, or related field.

• Valid U.S. driver's license
• Resume
• Cover letter

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.