Drug & Injury Prevention Unit Manager
About this role
What You'll Be Doing
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.
What You’ll Do:
- 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.
**This position will require use of a personal vehicle and a valid driver's license.**
NOTE: 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) actively supports and participates in department emergency preparedness and response activities, which may include temporary changes in responsibilities and working hours.
About Our Team
At the heart of the Wake County Public Health department is a dedicated team of professionals committed to protecting and improving the health of our community. We bring together expertise in communicable disease control, environmental health, health education, school health, clinical services, and population health to deliver responsive and equitable services. With a shared mission of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to essential services, we work collaboratively with partners and residents to build a healthier, more resilient community for all of Wake County.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
- Bachelor's degree in Public Health or related field
- Four years of experience in public health
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
- 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
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- 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
About This Position
Location: Public Health Building Raleigh, NC 27610
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: M-F 8:30-5:15; Weekends and evenings for events- adjust weekday schedule as needed
Hiring Range: 67,727-91,434
Market Range: 67,727.00 - 115,141.00
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 7/13/2026
What Makes Wake Great
Equal Opportunity Statement
Background Check Statement
Emergency Service Worker Statement
What Makes Wake Great
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Background Check Statement
Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Emergency Service Worker Statement
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
Company at a glance
Wake County Government provides services including tax collection, library services, local parks administration, planning and permitting, health and human services, law enforcement and more. Wake County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners.
Consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work in America, Wake County, North Carolina is home to NC State University, Shaw University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. Wake County is also the center of state government, with our Capitol Building, legislature and many government offices located in Raleigh.
Wake County is the most populous County in North Carolina. The County consists of 12 municipalities and includes Raleigh, the county seat and state capital. A unique mix of urban and rural small towns distinguishes Wake County from other counties and provides something for every lifestyle.
Tired of cold applications?
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
Know someone who'd be great for this?