Overdose Communications Specialist, Operations Officer I (NCS) - Baltimore City Health Department

Overdose Communications Director

Founded in 1793, Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) is the oldest health department in the country, with around 800 employees and an annual budget of around $200 million, that aims to protect health, eliminate disparities, and ensure the well-being of everyone in our community through education, advocacy, and direct service delivery. BCHD's wide-ranging responsibilities include maternal and child health, youth wellness, school health, aging services, animal control, restaurant inspections, violence prevention, emergency preparedness, STI / HIV treatment, and acute and chronic disease prevention.

As the Overdose Communications Director, you will be responsible for leading the strategic development and implementation of communications initiatives focused on preventing drug overdoses and promoting substance use awareness. This role is responsible for coordinating public messaging, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and public education efforts related to the opioid crisis and other substance use issues. You will work closely with internal and external partners, city agencies and government agencies to ensure consistent, data-informed, and culturally competent communication.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to address overdose trends, risks, prevention efforts, and treatment resources
• Create and manage content across multiple platforms, including press releases, social media, websites, newsletters, and public service announcements
• Collaborate with overdose prevention and harm reduction team to translate data and program outcomes into public-facing messages
• Coordinate rapid-response communications during overdose spikes or public health emergencies related to substance use
• Engage with community stakeholders, including people with lived experience, to ensure messaging is inclusive and effective
• Monitor communication effectiveness through analytics and adjust strategies based on performance data and audience feedback
• Maintain consistency of messaging in alignment with state and federal public health guidance

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Bachelor's degree in communications, public health, journalism, public relations, or related field required, master's degree preferred.

OR

Equivalency Notes : Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Driver's License Requirement

Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates : Have a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license or an equivalent driver's license and be eligible to obtain a Baltimore City driver's permit. PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. NOTE : YOU MUST UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE WITH THE APPLICATION AT THE TIME OF APPLYING.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Additional Information

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and / or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a choose a term mandatory probation.

Financial Disclosure

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER