The Overdose Response Strategy (ORS) is a program aimed at improving collaboration between public health and public safety agencies to reduce deaths from drug overdoses. Funded by the CDC and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the ORS supports communities in lowering both fatal and non‑fatal overdose rates by enhancing information sharing and promoting evidence-based interventions.

As of July 2021, ORS Public Health Analyst (PHA) and Drug Intelligence Officer (DIO) positions exist in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. PHAs are funded by the CDC through the CDC Foundation, while DIOs are funded by ONDCP through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. These state teams form the core of the ORS, working to advance overdose prevention and response, while improving communication, data exchange, and intelligence sharing between public health and public safety agencies.

The CDC Foundation is seeking a full-time Public Health Analyst to support the ORS. This role will assist the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency, the California Department of Public Health, the San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA, and other partners in developing and implementing overdose data‑sharing systems and evidence-based prevention initiatives.

The position requires the Public Health Analyst to live in San Diego, California. The role follows a hybrid schedule, with at least two weekly in‑office days at the San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA. Travel within the state and out‑of‑state travel to regional meetings and the ORS Annual Conference will be required.

All applicants will be considered, though candidates already living in San Diego or California are preferred. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Job Highlights
• Full benefits, exempt position, salaried
• Salary range: $79,000–$98,000 depending on qualifications and experience
• Location: San Diego, California, with at least two weekly days at the San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA office

Responsibilities
• Support data sharing and joint initiatives between public health and public safety agencies aimed at addressing illicit drug use and overdose
• Work with the assigned DIO to strengthen partnerships between local HIDTA programs and public health organizations
• Identify and promote promising overdose prevention strategies at the intersection of public health and public safety
• Assist and evaluate public safety-led efforts to connect people who use drugs with treatment and care
• Present overdose trends and local response activities to varied audiences
• Support projects designed to enhance collaboration between public health and public safety through partner engagement, data collection, and sharing of findings
• Develop expertise in local and regional drug use and overdose trends
• Additional duties may include:
• Conduct analyses of overdose, drug use, and drug availability data for partner agencies
• Create visualizations depicting drug use and overdose patterns
• Build partnerships by providing technical assistance, communication support, and resource referrals
• Develop and deliver training on overdose prevention best practices, including creating educational materials
• Assist additional projects that strengthen public health and public safety partnerships through communication, information sharing, and education
• Prepare products for partners such as reports, briefs, bulletins, and brochures
• Support and evaluate joint public health and public safety initiatives

Qualifications
• Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field with at least 1 year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience; or an associate’s degree with 6 years; or a high school diploma with 8 years
• Experience or interest in substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, drug policy, or public health–public safety collaboration
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Ability to work effectively with diverse partners, including law enforcement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with public health systems in the region
• Additional preferred qualifications:
• Experience in data collection and analysis and producing actionable written materials
• Strong quantitative analysis skills and experience with SAS, SPSS, STATA, or similar tools
• Experience building collaborative relationships and strategic partnerships
• Experience developing and leading trainings
• Experience in project or program coordination
• Experience preparing reports and briefings for internal and external use
• Experience with program evaluation, including logic model development

About the CDC Foundation
The CDC Foundation supports CDC’s mission to protect health and safety by mobilizing partnerships across philanthropy, industry, and communities. Authorized by Congress, the Foundation manages hundreds of programs each year that address health threats ranging from chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer to infectious diseases such as HIV and rotavirus, as well as emergency responses including COVID‑19 and Ebola. More information is available at https://www.cdcfoundation.org.

MVR Policy
This position requires regular driving as part of the job. Employees must have a valid driver’s license, report any driving violations, and maintain proper insurance coverage as required by the organization’s Driver Safety Motor Vehicle Policy. Employment is contingent upon meeting these requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without discrimination based on any protected characteristic. The organization complies with all applicable laws, including E.O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, and takes affirmative action to support protected veterans.

The CDC Foundation maintains a smoke‑free workplace.

Relocation expenses are not provided.