Technical Advisor, Racial Equity in Overdose Prevention Initiatives, KDPH

Job Purpose: Vital Strategies is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Racial Equity Liaison in Overdose Prevention Initiatives, seconded to the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) located in Frankfort, Kentucky. KDPH plays a critical leadership role in the state's effort to address the drug overdose epidemic. Vital Strategies will provide seconded staff to the KDPH to lead racial equity efforts in Kentucky's overdose prevention initiatives. This position will lead the coordination of the racial equity pillar of Kentucky's drug overdose strategy and KDPH interagency collaborative efforts. This position will support the activities of the KDPH Harm Reduction Program, including preparing agendas, presentations, and materials, project managing initiatives of the task force, collecting and presenting data, and coordinating activities between agencies. Thisfull-time, remote positionwill be seconded to the Kentucky Department for Public Health based in Frankfort, Kentucky. Vital Strategies offers highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. The salary range for this role is $80,000 USD to $90,000 USD. The candidate must have authorization to work legally in the US at the time of hire. Duties and Responsibilities: The Secondee shall conduct work as if the Secondee were a full-time employee of the KDPH Harm Reduction Program and shall have the following duties: Lead and project manage racial equity efforts of the KDPH Harm Reduction Program. Activities include but are not limited to collaborating with the KDPH Office of Health Equity, the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort, and the Kentucky Pharmacy Education and Research Foundation in the development and implementation of a strategy to reduce racial disparities in overdoses; Oversee the day-to-day execution of activities in support of KDPH strategic initiatives related to reducing racial disparities in overdoses, including relevant components of the Kentucky Naloxone Saturation Strategic Plan; Develop and implement initiative workplans, setting milestones and outcome targets, and conducting regular reporting on progress towards workplan goals related to reducing racial disparities in overdoses; Communicate and build relationships with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders to implement goals of KDPH strategic initiatives to reduce racial disparities, identify additional opportunities for action, assist with organizing community outreach and listening sessions, and ensure alignment of efforts across the state; Coordinate and partner with the KDPH Office of Health Equity and other internal stakeholders to identify and develop opportunities for aligning racial equity initiatives; Provide racial equity subject matter expertise to the Kentucky Harm Reduction Summit Planning Committee, KDPH Internal and External Harm Reduction Advisory Committees, including organizing meetings, developing agendas, soliciting input on materials from Advisory Committee members, and preparing presentations to the Advisory Committees; Lead research on best practices from other states, academia, and the private sector for addressing racial disparities in drug overdose at the direction of KDPH leadership; Collect information about current state policies and practices and through analysis identify strengths, barriers, and gaps regarding efforts to reduce racial disparities in overdoses; Lead cross-pollination discussions with other Vital Strategies seconded staff to share relevant project updates, seed collaboration opportunities, and strengthen the network of overdose prevention staff statewide; Provide subject matter expertise to assist KDPH leadership in their response to legislators, media, and other information requests related to addressing racial disparities in drug overdose and interagency collaborative efforts to reduce overdose mortality; Develop and draft written reports, and public relations materials, prepare and deliver presentations, and analyze data related to overdose initiatives and reducing racial disparities in drug overdose; Lead analysis of disparate outcomes and developing solutions for KDPH leadership related to the overdose prevention initiatives; Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Education and Degree - An undergraduate degree in public health, public policy, social work, psychology or another relevant field, is required. Graduate degree preferred. Skills and Abilities - Project management expertise, with the ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain appropriate deadlines; Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners; Excellent data analysis skills and command of quality measurement methodology including knowledge of available data sources and national standards for quality improvement; Ability to look at the big picture and prioritize projects to achieve goals; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Effective presentation skills; Excellent organizational skills; Self-starter with the ability to work independently; Ability to build strong, ongoing, impactful relationships at all organizational levels and across a diverse range of cultural, generational, ethnic, racial, educational, and social backgrounds; Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. Experience: Required - 8 years of professional experience, preferably in the public health sector; Experience planning and implementing initiatives with an intersectional racial justice framework; Experience working with people who use drugs and other vulnerable populations in a non-judgmental manner, with empathy, and integrity that intersects racial justice and health equity; Preferred - Experience working with or in a federal or state agency, preferably in Kentucky. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: The role can be remotely based out of any large city in Kentucky; Ability to report to meetings at different locations across the state as well as through virtual formats; Willingness to travel in the state of Kentucky up to 30% of the time; Must be willing to adjust the schedule to meet urgent deadlines and perform assigned job duties. LI-Hybrid