The New School·Lowell, Massachusetts
The Health Promotion Specialist will lead equity-centered initiatives to support student wellbeing, community engagement, and inclusive programming. They will also facilitate educational workshops, supervise peer health advocates, and collaborate across campus to foster a culture of belonging and social justice.
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.
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.
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
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and possess at least two years of professional experience in higher education, student affairs, or public health. Strong knowledge of social determinants of health, equity frameworks, and excellent communication skills are required.
Market context
In Massachusetts, Health Promotion Specialist roles often draw candidates with backgrounds in public health, student affairs, or higher education, especially where equity-focused programming and student well-being are priorities. These positions can be competitive because employers look for a bachelor’s degree, at least two years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills alongside knowledge of social determinants of health. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show concrete experience with health equity frameworks and campus or community outreach.