Education and Prevention Specialist

Title: Education and Prevention Specialist

State Role Title: N/A

Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience up to $71,885

Pay Band: UG

Agency: VA Cannabis Control Authority

Location: VA Cannabis Control Authority

Agency Website: https://cca.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Purpose of Position: The Education and Prevention Specialist will support the Authority by developing, implementing, and assessing cannabis education programs and resources. This role is designed for individuals passionate about public health, education, and the responsible regulation of cannabis. The Education and Prevention Specialist will work closely with multiple units within the Authority and external stakeholders to ensure that educational initiatives promote informed decision-making within the cannabis sector.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive research on cannabis education programs, public health initiatives, and regulatory impacts related to cannabis use.  
• Promote best practices in cannabis education and share insights from research to improve program implementation.  
• Stay up to date with trends and innovations in cannabis education, training, and policy, including best practices from other regulatory bodies.  
• Assist in drafting recommendations for new policies and regulatory updates that align with the Authority’s strategic goals.

Engagement and Communication

• Collaborate with other government agencies, educational institutions, public health organizations, and community groups to foster effective cannabis education.
• Represent the CCA on statewide work groups focused on substance misuse prevention.  
• Assist in developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders to ensure the alignment of education strategies with community needs and regulatory objectives.  
• Provide presentations to stakeholder groups and station exhibit tables for resource distribution.  
• Present findings and reports to senior leadership and stakeholders in a clear and actionable manner.

Program Evaluation and Reporting

• Develop frameworks to assess the effectiveness of cannabis education programs and initiatives, including identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.  
• Prepare regular reports that detail the outcomes of educational efforts and the impact on public understanding and safety.
• Provide recommendations based on research findings to improve public engagement and educational outreach strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience developing operational plans and policies.
• Experience conducting comprehensive research on education programs, public health initiatives, and regulatory impacts.
• Ability to assist in drafting new policies and regulatory updates that align with the Authority’s strategic goals.
• Ability to develop and implement cannabis public health initiatives based on research, best practices, and stakeholder need.
• Ability to review and assess the impact of cannabis-related educational initiatives and propose improvements to enhance accessibility and understanding.
• Ability to collaborate with other government agencies, educational institutions, public health organizations, and community groups to foster effective cannabis education.
• Experience developing frameworks to assess the effectiveness of education programs and initiatives, including identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• The ability to prepare regular reports that detail the outcomes of educational efforts and the impact on public understanding and safety.
• Ability to provide recommendations based on research findings to improve public engagement and educational outreach strategies.

Additional Considerations

• Experience in using quantitative and qualitative research to inform policy recommendations and program enhancements.
• Ability to ensure education and outreach initiatives comply with legal frameworks while proactively identifying risks and mitigation strategies.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call 804-653-9490 for assistance.


The Commonwealth of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Contact Information

Name: Robin Hollenbeck

Phone: 804-653-9490

Email: robin.hollenbeck@cca.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.