Drug & Injury Prevention Unit Manager

About the role

Wake County Public Health is seeking a dynamic, community-focused leader to drive their countywide strategy to prevent opioid and other drug-related overdoses. The Drug & Injury Prevention Unit Manager will lead the Drug Overdose Prevention Coalition, support and supervise the Recovery Court Supervisor, manage contracts, oversee program evaluation, and coordinate harm-reduction efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Drug Overdose Prevention Coalition and unite partners around evidence-based strategies.
• Support and supervise the Recovery Court Supervisor, including guidance on budgets, contracts, and personnel needs.
• Manage all contracts, deliverables, and business processes for the county’s overdose prevention initiatives.
• Serve as a key spokesperson, presenting program updates to leadership, stakeholders, and community groups.
• Support syringe services, naloxone distribution, and other harm-reduction efforts.
• Cook closely with Epidemiology, Behavioral Health, EMS, and community organizations to target outreach using real-time data.
• Oversee program evaluation, contribute to grant development, and help maintain Public Health Accreditation standards.
• Partner with Communications to advance education and outreach around substance use.
• Collaborate with the Opioid Settlement Program Manager on aligned prevention and recovery initiatives.
• Prepare, justify, and administer the program or project budget and oversee procurement and contracting to achieve desired results.
• Maintain fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards when committing fiscal resources or processing financial transactions.
• Monitor expenditures and use cost-benefit thinking to set priorities and ensure alignment with the County’s mission and vision.

Requirements

This position requires use of a personal vehicle and a valid driver's license. Upon acceptance of employment, you acknowledge that (i) if you work in the Health Clinics and Public Health Division, influenza immunization is a condition of initial and continued employment, subject to compliance with federal law, (ii) you actively support and participate in department emergency preparedness and response activities, and (iii) you are willing to adapt your schedule as needed for events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health or related field.
• Four years of experience in public health.
• Knowledge of and experience with substance use and mental health disorders.
• Experience with public speaking.
• Experience engaging with and speaking to various levels of leadership.
• Knowledge of drug treatment court model & best practice standards.

Skills

• Program oversight including budget and contract management.
• Building constructive working relationships.
• Fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards.
• Effective communication.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Professionalism.
• Handling challenging or tense interpersonal situations.
• Emotional intelligence.

Benefits

Commensurate with experience.

Pay

$67,727 - $91,434

Schedule

M-F 8:30-5:15; Weekends and evenings for events- adjust weekday schedule as needed