Vital Strategies is an international public health organization. Our programs strengthen public health systems and address the world’s leading causes of illness, injury and death. We currently work in 73 countries, supporting data-driven decision-making in government, advancing evidence-based public health policies, and mounting strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies’ priorities are driven by the greatest potential to improve and save lives. They include non-communicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, obesity prevention, overdose prevention, environmental health, and vital statistics systems building. Our programs are primarily concentrated in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific; the Overdose Prevention Program is our first initiative in the U.S. Please visit our website at www.vitalstrategies.org to find out more about our work.

Vital Strategies is funding projects and providing technical assistance tailored to the overdose crisis on the ground in seven U.S. states. We are assisting local partners in reforming policy, innovating programs, and mobilizing communities at the neighborhood, municipal, county and state levels. Through embedded staff, expert advising, and strategic funding, this initiative prioritizes evidence-based, scalable interventions to increase access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), expand harm reduction services, and shift public narratives around substance use.

Vital Strategies believes our programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by individuals with diverse life experiences, whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, actual or perceived age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, alienage or citizenship status, gender (including gender identity or expression), partnership status, arrest or conviction record, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.

About The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health (NCDHHS DPH IVPB):

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health (NCDHHS DPH) plays a critical leadership role in the state’s effort to address the drug overdose crisis. Vital Strategies will provide seconded staff to NCDHHS DPH to support data analysis and management of North Carolina’s overdose prevention initiatives.

The Division of Public Health Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (DPH IVPB) maintains statewide injury and violence-related surveillance by providing emergency department, hospital discharge, mortality, and survey data to monitor the incidence of and risk factors for fatal and nonfatal injury. DPH IVPB provides this information to North Carolina’s health professionals, citizens, lawmakers, and others interested in injury and violence prevention in the state. Injury and violence surveillance data provide the epidemiologic foundation for effective, data-driven injury and violence prevention and intervention planning. As part of injury and violence surveillance, DPH IVPB conducts surveillance of health disparities and centers on the needs of marginalized populations and various sociodemographic groups. Data is shared monthly to a listserv of nearly 4,000 partners, posted to a statewide dashboard, and presented at state and national conferences.

Job Purpose:

The position of Technical Manager, Substance Use Data Communicator, seconded to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service’s Division of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (NCDHHS DPH IVPB), located in Raleigh, North Carolina is a new position for Vital Strategies. This role will contribute directly to North Carolina’s overdose prevention strategies by ensuring data-informed decision-making, actionable public health messaging, and equitable information dissemination. The Technical Manager, Substance Use Data Communicator will translate complex epidemiological data into clear, engaging, and accessible content for diverse partners—including policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations—ensuring alignment with the state’s strategic goals to reduce overdose deaths and promote equity-centered harm reduction approaches.

This position serves as the Substance Use Data Communicator and plays a critical role in making public health data accessible and actionable. With support from NCDHHS DPH IVPB and Vital Strategies, this role is responsible for translating complex public health data into clear, engaging, and user-friendly information for a diverse group of partners, including health professionals, community organizations, policymakers, and the general public. Key responsibilities include creating compelling data visualizations, drafting written content to translate data findings, and disseminating data products through a variety of channels.

The Technical Manager, Substance Use Data Communicator will work closely with epidemiologists and preventionists to ensure the accuracy, clarity, and relevance of data communications for partners across North Carolina. They will also collaborate with the Division of Public Health (DPH) Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB) Communications Lead to ensure products are delivered in a timely and effective manner.

This role requires creativity, attention to detail, and an ability to adapt communication strategies to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in data storytelling and a commitment to advancing health equity and addressing health disparities through thoughtful communication.

This is a full-time seconded (embedded) position that will be based out of the Ministry of NCDHHS DPH IVPB located in Raleigh, North Carolina. This role can be fully remote or adhere to a hybrid work schedule from the NCDHHS DPH IVPB offices. Vital Strategies offers highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. The salary range for this position is $78,000 USD – $82,500 USD. The candidate must have authorization to work legally in the US at the time of hire. This position will be funded through September 2026 with the possibility of an extension.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Technical Manager, Substance Use Data Communicator will be seconded into NCDHHS DPH IVPB working with the agency team to perform duties as described. With support from the Vital Strategies and NCDHHS DPH IVPB supervisors, the Technical Manager, Substance Use Data Communicator shall have the following duties:

Data Interpretation and Visualization -

Develop high-impact data products to communicate overdose and substance use trends to state and local stakeholders;
Utilize data visualization tools to create accessible dashboards and infographics that support public health decision-making;
Synthesize emerging research to provide timely insights and best practices related to overdose prevention strategies, MOUD expansion, and harm reduction services.

Technical Content Development and Strategic Communication -

Working alongside Vital Strategies and NCDHHS DPH, to translate technical data into concise, actionable messages for diverse audiences, including government officials, harm reduction advocates, healthcare providers, and the general public;
Develop educational toolkits to improve data literacy among community-based organizations and service providers, ensuring equitable access to information;
In consultation with Vital Strategies, and NCDHHS DPH, draft policy briefs, and reports to highlight key overdose trends and state responses, aligning messaging with harm reduction and racial equity principles.

Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, and Program Alignment -

Work closely with state epidemiologists, communications specialists, and program managers to ensure data-driven policy recommendations and program implementation;
Coordinate with the NCDHHS DPH IVPB Communications Lead to ensure timely release of overdose surveillance reports and public health advisories;
Engage with local health departments, harm reduction organizations, and community groups to support equitable dissemination of overdose prevention resources;
Contribute to interagency collaboration by supporting data-sharing agreements and ensuring alignment with broader public health priorities;
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor(s).

Qualifications:

Education and Degree -

Bachelor’s degree in public health, public policy, health communications, or other health-related fields is required. Master’s degree preferred.

Skills and Abilities -

Project management expertise, with the ability to exercise judgment and maintain appropriate deadlines;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Strong ability to translate complex data into impactful messages;
Proficiency in data visualization tools;
Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners;
Ability to work well with diverse groups of individuals and organizations;
Ability to present complex information in an easy-to-understand manner;
Background and experience in displaying data to a variety of audiences;
Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative ways to present data;
Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Experience:

Required -

A minimum of six to seven years of experience in public health, science communication, journalism, or other related field;
Experience translating public health data into simple messages;
Prior experience working with North Carolina substance use and overdose programs, policy, or data;
Demonstrated understanding of substance use, overdose, and effective practices in reducing overdose deaths, including non-judgmental harm reduction approaches;
Experience collaborating with state and local partners, epidemiologists, communications staff, and public health leaders.

Preferred -

Experience with any of the following data visualization platforms including Tableau, Power BI, or Canva;
Familiarity with North Carolina’s government and its functions.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: