Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (public health, social work, education, or related discipline) and 2 years of related work experience in a related field (or combination of relevant experience and education totaling six years) to include:
Delivering and adapting community education in-person and on line
Working with school, community organizations, healthcare providers, or social services
Community engagement and/or program facilitation
Familiarity with topics around mental health and substance use prevention and public health approaches
Working experience in communities that represent/reflect the aspects of the rural communities of Virginia or the aspects of the Duluth area
Demonstrated ability to implement community needs assessments
Proven ability to apply health prevention and management strategies alongside policy, system, and environmental (PSE) changes to improve community health
Proven track record of collaborating effectively with stakeholders, including school districts, community-based organizations, and harm-reduction partners.
Strong communication skills and ability to engage audiences.
Ability to independently set up and run online sessions (such as webinars, virtual workshops, or team meetings) using standard communication software.
Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance to drive within the northeastern region weekly.
Must be able to drive within the designated communities and provide in-person programming. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office when not programming in the community, and must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the office.
When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work, along with one overnight per quarter.
Ability to work on computer for prolonged periods of time
Ability to lift, push, pull, carry up to 30 pounds on occasion
Able to work in various buildings and temperatures
Able to engage in 1-3 overnight stays
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Work experience in a rural community
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Work experience independently setting up and running online sessions
Working Title: Health Prevention Coordinator (2 positions)
Classification: Educ Pro 2-Community Based Ed & Outreach (job code 8312CB), Civil Service
Appointment: Full-Time position, 40 hours/week (100% time)
Office location: St. Louis County Extension Offices in Duluth and Virginia, MN; Please identify your office preference (either Duluth or Virginia) in your cover letter. This is an in-office and in-person position.
Pay Range: $28.00 to $34.00/hour; depending on qualifications/experience
Apply by: August 30, 2026
The Prevention & Health Coordinator is supported by St. Louis County Opioid Remediation Settlement Funds and is a joint partnership between St. Louis County Public Health, Community Health and Education unit, and the Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing (FHW), University of Minnesota Extension. The person in this role balances education delivery, curriculum adaptation, stakeholder collaboration, and programmatic management to drive sustainable community health outcomes.
These positions will be in the St. Louis County Extension Offices in Virginia and Duluth, Minnesota. Each office will have one position, so please indicate your office preference in your cover letter. This is in-person work for which you are working in the office when not out programming in the community.
This is a Monday through Friday position, with the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work, along with one overnight per quarter.
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Conduct a county-wide needs assessment on substance use prevention in community and school settings utilizing local data indicators from tools such as the Minnesota Student Survey, Community Health Assessments (CHAs) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs), Minnesota Compass —to analyze local needs, identify trends, and identify priority audiences.
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Set up, track, and maintain a regional dashboard database of substance use awareness and prevention curricula to assist schools in evaluating evidence-based materials for audience appropriateness, local learning environments, and cultural competency.
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Deliver substance use awareness and prevention curricula tailored to meet local needs and Minnesota's mandated health education standards across grade levels, including focus on cannabis education and opioid awareness; incorporate a Protective Factors Framework and Positive Community Norms (PCN) messaging.
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Coordinate and host classroom presentations and events, focused on both substance use and mental health, featuring local subject matter experts.
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Coordinate and support annual or semi-annual curriculum teacher workshops, ongoing coaching, and structural fidelity checks for school staff to improve overall educator knowledge, confidence, and competence to build internal school capacity.
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Implement process and outcome evaluations to drive curriculum improvements, ensure program fidelity, that may include measuring staff confidence and knowledge, tracking student success, and school-community partnerships.
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Implement and support data compliance protocols for program databases with schools to ensure participant and program data privacy.
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Identify, build, and strengthen ongoing regional partnerships with local schools, educators, and district leaders.
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Coordinate and facilitate collaborative planning meetings with community members, regional stakeholders, and program partners; examples include public health professionals, treatment providers, healthcare experts, recovery community members, and law enforcement when appropriate.
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Assist with the development and implementation of strategic marketing and communication plans to promote health initiatives, establish new regional affiliations, and strengthen ties with stakeholders.
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Extend engagement beyond the classroom by integrating public health messaging into school climate initiatives, extracurricular programming, school-wide campaigns, and family communication materials.
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Collaborate with existing regional efforts emphasizing prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, and the implementation of strategies that promote environmental and systems-level changes.
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In collaboration with schools and regional partners, position the program for scalable expansion, including the future development of youth peer leadership programs, family education series, mental health initiatives, and school substance use policy development.
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Manage an independent schedule to meet project goals
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Complete core administrative tasks in a timely manner, including updated calendar, expenses and mileage reimbursement.
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Attend regular meetings with St. Louis County Community Health and Education Unit staff.
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Assist with creating and delivering written and verbal reports as required by the community, stakeholders and funders.
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Work alongside communications and team to creatively promote programs, and develop promotional media, flyers, and public service announcements.
The Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing (FHW) works with families, communities, and organizations to support the lifelong health and wellbeing of Minnesotans. The department focuses on the everyday things that shape health and wellbeing—like food, housing, money, and social connections. Our work is built on relationships, shared learning, and real-life solutions that meet people where they are. FHW is part of the University of Minnesota Extension, which connects the University’s research and knowledge with people and communities across the state. As one of Extension’s core departments, FHW works alongside communities to find local solutions that make sense and work for them. FHW is grounded in community connections. We listen, learn, and work with people to find solutions that support their health. We are committed to practical, evidence-based approaches that apply to everyday life and all stages of life.
As a core unit of St. Louis County Public Health, Community Health and Education is dedicated to active, strategic community building. We recognize that true public health is shaped by where we live, learn, work, and play. Our staff collaborates closely with local partners, utilizing careful planning, transparent information-sharing, and a network of skilled contributors. We actively build healthier environments by promoting protective factors, strengthening supports, and creating positive conditions that give everyone a chance to thrive.
University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Please attach the following required application materials:
Cover letter – Include your St. Louis County office preference(s) either Duluth or Virginia, MN.
Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
