MA-Based Project Director - Problem Gambling Prevention (Project Director I)

Company Description

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms.  EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion is grounded in EDC’s commitment to respect the dignity of each individual. EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

Job Description

The Health Promotion, Practice, and Innovation (HPPI) portfolio at EDC includes a range of projects that aim to promote social and emotional wellbeing, promote mental and behavioral health, and to prevent risky behaviors such as substance misuse, violence, and suicide. Our project beneficiaries range from state agencies (e.g., state departments of public health and education), community-based organizations, and school districts. Our funders include federal agencies, state agencies, foundations, community-based organizations, and school districts. Our work includes training and professional development opportunities, technical assistance and consultation, and research and evaluation. 

With funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), EDC runs the Massachusetts Center for Excellence on Problem Gambling Prevention (Mass COE PGP). This Center was created to provide technical assistance and training (T/TA) and resource development for the prevention of problem gambling.

The Mass COE PGP has an immediate opening for a full-time Project Director I, reporting to a senior leader in the HPPI Portfolio. This position must be based in Massachusetts. Remote work within Massachusetts or Massachusetts adjacent states is an option as is hybrid or full-time in EDC's Waltham, MA office. Telecommuters from other states not adjacent to Massachusetts will not be considered.

You will:

• Be responsible for leading and managing the MCOE PGP, including needs assessment, program development, and provision of T/TA to community-based organizations working to prevent and reduce problem gambling among cohorts of DPH grantees
• Update or customize materials to guide interventions
• Oversee the work of staff with strong community connections, plan meetings, develop timelines, and produce deliverables in a timely manner
• Promote equity and opportunity in support of EDC’s commitment to diversity
• Be responsive to requests and directives from the Director of Problem Gambling Services at MDPH
• Regularly travel within Massachusetts.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of training & experience in a related discipline

Skills & Experience:

• 6–9 years related experience, with 2–4 years of project management experience, including budget responsibility and staff supervision 
• Ability to work with diverse communities (particularly urban communities of color) and offer culturally and linguistically appropriate services 
• Experience working with diverse populations at the community level with a focus on health equity, a deep understanding of prevention in adjacent topics such as substance misuse
• Demonstrable project management, leadership and troubleshooting skills 
• Experience leading or facilitating collaborative efforts across sectors (e.g., health care, juvenile justice, child welfare, education) and within/across communities 
• Knowledge of current practices and issues in the field of prevention 
• Experience providing training and TA to community-level decision makers 
• Excellent writing and communication skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups (in-person and virtually); and strong interpersonal & organizational skills 

Additional Information

We strongly encourage the submission of a thoughtful cover letter that includes a succinct statement of interest to include highlights of relevant qualifications and experience for this specific role. We suggest that it be no more than two pages. Writing samples and/or participation in exercises to demonstrate skills and experience may be part of the interview process.

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the