Program Officer, Overdose Prevention Program

Vital Strategies is a global 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 more than 80 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 noncommunicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, food policy, environmental health, and data for health. Our programs are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries and cities in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Please visit our website alstrategies.org to find out more about our work.

We believe our programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by people 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 or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.

As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for those seeking employment.

About the Program:

The Overdose Prevention Program partners with governments and communities to advance evidence based strategies that reduce overdose deaths. Through grant funding and tailored technical assistance, the program helps government, institutional, and community partners strengthen policies, implement innovative programs, and mobilize local action to address the evolving overdose crisis.

Our work spans the neighborhood, local, regional, and jurisdictional levels, supporting sustainable public health solutions that are responsive to local needs. Program staff are organized into multidisciplinary regional teams, each managing a portfolio of states or Native communities. These teams work closely with colleagues in Operations and with subject matter experts in Communications, Program Evaluation & Knowledge Management, and Legal & Policy to deliver coordinated, high-impact support.

Job Purpose:

The Program Officer provides cross-cutting administrative and operational support to link program strategy and day-to-day execution. The position keeps high priority work streams moving by facilitating the effective flow of information.

The ideal candidate brings strong communication, time management, and analytical skills, and must possess high situational awareness and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

This is anew role for the Overdose Prevention program. It is a full-time position preferably based in the New York City metro area; we will consider other locations in the U.S. dependent on the work (North Carolina, New Jersey, Kentucky, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Nevada, or Washington state). We offer highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. The salary range for this position is $ 70,000 to $ 80,000 USD.

Reporting & Key Relationships:

Reporting to a Director who will set priorities, the Program Officer primarily provides support to a regional team, Legal & Policy team and the Principal Program Eval & Knowledge Management Advisor. The role also supports meeting logistics and communications for external partners, grantees, and government stakeholders, as directed.

To foster continuous learning and effective coordination, the Officer will participate in an internal Community of Practice led by the Senior Manager, Operations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Programmatic and Content Support -

• Format, design, and refine presentations, briefs, one-pagers, and other materials that communicate program strategies, overdose prevention interventions, and technical content to internal and external audiences.
• Maintain working knowledge of OPP's core overdose prevention interventions — including harm reduction, treatment access, naloxone…