Health Promotion Specialist

Join The New School 

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 8,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

The New School’s Student Health Services (SHS) seeks a full-time Health Promotion Specialist (HPS) to support student wellbeing through equity-centered health promotion, community engagement, and inclusive student programming. Reporting to the Director of Public Health Services, this position advances the mission of Wellness and Health Promotion (WHP) by fostering a campus culture grounded in belonging, equity, social justice, and collective wellbeing.

WHP, the public health branch of SHS, promotes health as a critical component of academic success and student development. The Health Promotion Specialist will lead initiatives that support historically marginalized and underrepresented student communities while helping to embed anti-oppression, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices across student-facing programs and services.

This role combines strategic organizing, student advocacy, educational programming, assessment, and cross-campus collaboration to advance equity and belonging throughout the student experience. Working under the supervision of the Director of Public Health Services, the Health Promotion Specialist will support university-wide prevention and health promotion efforts aligned with The New School’s strategic priorities and commitment to student success and social justice.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 

Student Engagement, Belonging & Advocacy

• Co-develop and implement student-centered initiatives that foster belonging, inclusion, and wellbeing for undergraduate and graduate students, particularly students from historically marginalized communities.

• Create community-building programs in response to campus, national, or global incidents impacting student wellbeing.

• Provide mentorship, support, and referral services to students navigating complex personal, social, or identity-related concerns.

• Serve as a liaison and advocate for student voices in campus planning and decision-making processes.

• Support retention and success initiatives for underrepresented student populations.
   

Health Promotion & Educational Programming

• Co-design and facilitate workshops, retreats, trainings, and educational campaigns focused on:

  • Cultural competency

  • Anti-bias education

  • Social justice and equity

  • Intersectionality and addressing microaggressions

  • Self-care and collective care

  • Community wellbeing

  • Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual+ (2SLGBTQIA+) health and well-being (e.g. Safe Zone)

• Collaborate with academic divisions and student affairs partners to integrate health and wellbeing themes into curricular and co-curricular experiences.

• Assist in activating The New School’s Healthy Campus Communities Framework, including:

  • Learning and working environments

  • Personal growth and development

  • Services and supports

  • Policies and procedures

  • Physical spaces

  • Social connection and community engagement 
     

Assessment, Evaluation & Data Analysis

• Support administration and analysis of student wellness assessments, including the National College Health Assessment (NCHA).

• Assist in preparation of presentations and recommendations to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts.
   

Peer Leadership & Program Coordination

• Help supervise and coordinate the university’s Peer Health Advocacy Program and other student leadership initiatives.

• Support training and professional development for peer educators, student interns, and student leaders.

• Assist with program operations, communications, and event logistics.
   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Health Promotion, Social Work, Psychology, Student Affairs, or a related field.

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in higher education, student affairs, public health, or community-based social justice, equity, and belonging programming.

• Demonstrated experience developing and facilitating educational workshops, trainings, or student engagement initiatives.

• Knowledge of the social determinants of health, health promotion theory and practice with intersectional frameworks.

• Strong understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-oppression, and student belonging practices.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong organizational, project management, and collaboration skills.

• Ability to work effectively in diverse, multidisciplinary, and fast-paced environments.

• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supervising peer educators, student staff, or interns.

• Experience with campus climate assessment, data analysis, or program evaluation.

• Familiarity with restorative/healing-centered practices.

• Knowledge of culturally rooted practices and trauma-informed approaches.

• Experience working in a large, decentralized university setting.

• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.
   

WORK MODE

During the fall and spring semesters, this position is 100% in-person and requires some evening hours. During winter break and summer periods, a hybrid work schedule may be considered. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$66,300 - $70,000 per annum
 

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:
 

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
   

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA

• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
   

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day

• Paid holidays and floating holidays

• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
   

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities

• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations

• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
   

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS * (if applicable)

• Please submit two statements as part of your application package:

• Philosophy statement on equity and student belonging

• Statement on activating the social determinants of health at The New School and how this framework would inform your work within a Health Promotion specialty focused on equity and belonging.