Associate Program Officer - Community Engagement

RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE), launched in 2017, is the only public-private partnership dedicated to funding and collaborating on solutions to end the overdose crisis. Guided by those with lived experience and unafraid of new ideas, RIZE is building networks, creating programming, and supporting community partners using novel approaches to preventing overdose and increasing access to treatment. Since its inception, RIZE has awarded over $21 million to more than 275 organizations aligned with our mission.

Our multifaceted strategy is designed to address the complexity and enormity of the crisis and will only be effective if based on evolving realities on the ground. We listen to and learn from our partners, monitor the success of our collaborations, and hold each other accountable toward a shared vision of "Zero stigma. Zero deaths." Our work is iterative, designed to support and expand upon our focus areas to maximize impact. We are a learning organization that consistently evaluates progress toward our short-term and long-term impact goals, so we are committed to regular strategic planning. RIZE's vision is that our funding will lead to meaningful and positive results in addressing not just the immediate crisis of opioid overdose death but will also improve alignment among the overall addiction treatment ecosystem and evidence-based addiction treatment and recovery practices. 

In 2024, the Healey-Driscoll Administration selected RIZE to create and manage Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership (Mosaic).  Funded by the MA Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund and the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, Mosaic is a unique public-private partnership that allows small, community-based organizations and municipalities to apply for settlement funds. It is specifically designed to support communities and populations that have been historically underserved and have experienced a higher rate of opioid-related overdose deaths. Mosaic is community-led and culturally responsive, aimed at reaching individuals and families affected by the opioid overdose epidemic. The grants, approximately $5 million annually, strengthen prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, trauma, and family support programs. 

Position Summary:

The associate program officer – community engagement (APO-CE) has a unique opportunity to work across all of RIZE’s programs, managing innovative initiatives that support the harm reduction workforce, individuals with lived and living experience, and community engagement efforts. The APO-CE will build and maintain strong relationships with grantees, staff, community advisory members, and subject matter experts, including those with lived and living experience. This role is instrumental for establishing and nurturing positive relationships within the harm reduction and recovery communities and with external stakeholders, ensuring effective dissemination of information.

The APO-CE will undertake various initiatives to support RIZE's mission, including project management, community engagement, and other logistical and administrative tasks. The APO-CE will report to the chief program officer and join a team that includes two other APOs responsible for grantmaking and monitoring, evaluation, and learning and a program coordinator. This team drives the organization’s overall program strategy and represents RIZE at local, state, and national levels.

Initially, the APO-CE will develop a deep understanding of each of the organization’s strategic plan, program operations, and individual projects. The focus will be on three main areas: project management, external relationships, and community engagement. Additionally, the APO-CE will collaborate closely with the harm reduction and recovery communities, community organizations, and various stakeholders.  The role will also involve managing projects to strengthen community connections, increase access, promote knowledge sharing, and enhance coordination among community organizations and the addiction treatment workforce. 

The ideal candidate will need strong organizational and communication skills and demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding community engagement in the context of the opioid overdose crisis. A genuine passion for improving community health and well-being is essential, as this role involves interacting with diverse populations and stakeholders.  A collaborative, team-oriented mindset will ensure that the candidate can work effectively with colleagues, community members, and partner organizations. Knowledge of Massachusetts' substance use treatment and harm reduction systems is essential, as this expertise will guide decision-making and strategy development. Additionally, the ability to provide high-level support and coordination for priority projects means that the candidate should be adept at multitasking, managing projects efficiently, and ensuring that all initiatives are aligned with the organization's overall mission. 

Key Responsibilities:

 

 

 

The APO-CE is a full-time, hybrid role. RIZE is in downtown Boston, and occasional travel, primarily in-state, will be required for meetings and events as needed. This role may require evening and occasional weekend work.

 

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and other status protected under law.