Visiting Associate/Professor and Director, Center for Harm Reduction

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
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Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Dean, the Visiting Associate/Professor and Director of the Center for Harm Reduction is a full-time, 12-month research-focused Visiting Faculty member who is responsible for establishing The Center for Harm Reduction at Montclair State University. The Center serves as a statewide hub for research, education, and policy development to advance harm reduction strategies and address substance use disorders. Building on successful pilot initiatives, the Center integrates university expertise with community partnerships to reduce opioid-related deaths, mitigate health disparities, and inform evidence-based interventions both locally and nationally. The Director is responsible for shaping the Center’s vision, securing external funding, leading research initiatives, and fostering collaborations with policymakers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. The Director will be a research faculty member with expertise in harm reduction and community-based public health research.

A new initiative, this position is renewable, enabling the successful applicant to build a thriving center that will serve the institution and the state of New Jersey.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement the Center’s strategic plan in alignment with the University’s mission.  

• Establish partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and community-based organizations to advance harm reduction efforts.  

• Identify and pursue opportunities to leverage state, federal, and private funding to sustain and expand the Center’s impact.  

• Lead and oversee interdisciplinary research projects focused on harm reduction, substance use disorder treatment, and related public health issues.  

• Collaborate with policymakers and stakeholders to translate research into actionable policy recommendations.  

• Develop policy briefs, evaluation frameworks, and evidence-based recommendations for state and federal partners

• Expand the Center’s research portfolio, including securing and managing grants and contracts. 

• Manage the Center’s budget, staffing, and daily operations.  

• Oversee existing Harm Reduction initiatives and liaise with lead faculty, including the Harm Reduction Certificate and workforce training modules and supporting capacity-building for community organizations in data analysis and grant writing.

• Oversee hiring and supervision of research staff, faculty affiliates, and program coordinators.  

• Ensure compliance with university policies, grant requirements, and ethical research standards.  

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED: 

• Ph.D., DrPH, MD, or equivalent in Public Health, Medicine, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.

• A minimum of five years of professional experience demonstrating expertise in harm reduction, substance use disorder research, or related areas.

• Proven track record of securing external funding from government agencies, private foundations, or other sources.  

• Experience leading large-scale research initiatives within an academic or research institution.  

• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and organizational management skills.  

• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community organizations, and academic researchers.  

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