Drug & Injury Prevention Unit Manager

County of Wake, NC • Raleigh, NC

1d • $67,727 - $115,141 • Onsite

About The Position

Wake County Public Health is seeking a dynamic, community‑focused leader to drive our countywide strategy to prevent opioid and other drug-related overdoses. As the Drug & Injury Prevention Unit Manager, you will be at the forefront of a life‑saving public health initiative; bringing partners together, advancing evidence‑based strategies, and helping build healthier, safer communities. This is an opportunity to lead meaningful change, strengthen partnerships, and shape the future of substance use prevention and response in Wake County.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health or related field
• Four years of experience in public health
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted
• Ability to provide program oversight including budget and contract management
• Ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect
• Ability to follow fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards when committing fiscal resources or processing financial transactions and understands the organization's financial processes
• Ability to effectively transfer thoughts and expresses ideas orally or verbally in individual or group situations
• Ability to maintain professionalism
• Maintains calmness in stressful or adverse situations and is able to diplomatically handles challenging or tense interpersonal situations
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible - able to change behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation
• Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives
• Ability to treat others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
• Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations
• Perceives, assesses, and positively influences one's own and other individuals’ emotions
• This position will require use of a personal vehicle and a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• 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

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.
• Coordinate substance‑use trainings for internal teams and community partners.
• Work 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.
• Prepares, justifies, and administers the program or project budget and oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results.
• Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities and ensures the organization’s goals and objectives align with the County’s mission and vision.

Benefits

• influenza immunization is a condition of initial and continued employment, subject to compliance with federal law
• actively supports and participates in department emergency preparedness and response activities, which may include temporary changes in responsibilities and working hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager