Director of Community-Based Recovery Initiatives

The Recovery Services Bureau (RSB) provides comprehensive programs and resources designed to reduce the harms associated with substance use, support recovery, and prevent substance use among youth. RSB operates across the continuum of care, offering outreach and engagement, harm reduction and drug user health services, overdose prevention and naloxone distribution, treatment navigation and referrals, residential treatment, recovery support services, community prevention, and other supports for individuals and families. 

With 150 staff working across over 10 programs, RSB serves individuals at different stages of substance use and recovery throughout Boston. The Mattapan Campus is home to several residential substance use disorder treatment programs that provide structured treatment and support to individuals and families. 

Harm reduction principles and practices are integrated throughout RSB’s programs and levels of care, recognizing that people may enter services with different needs, goals, and experiences. Through its programs, partnerships, and services, RSB works to reduce overdose and other substance-related harms, improve access to care, strengthen pathways to recovery, and reinforce the message that recovery is possible. 

The Director of Community-Based Recovery Initiatives provides strategic leadership, oversight, and coordination for high-priority community initiatives and special projects led by the Recovery Services Bureau (RSB). This position will lead and coordinate complex, cross-program initiatives; oversee major funding opportunities and related deliverables; support the development and implementation of emerging community initiatives; and identify opportunities to strengthen and expand RSB services through external funding and partnerships.

The Director will serve as a key strategic partner to RSB leadership and will work collaboratively with program directors, internal departments, community partners, funders, and other stakeholders to ensure that community initiatives are effectively planned, implemented, monitored, and sustained.

Works to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.  

Strategic Initiatives & Project Leadership

• Provide leadership and coordination for high-priority RSB community initiatives and projects.
• Provide oversight and coordination of initiatives funded through Opioid Settlement Funds, COR grants, and other major funding opportunities.
• Support the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of strategic initiatives across RSB.
• Coordinate cross-program work and ensure projects remain aligned with RSB and organizational priorities.
• Develop project plans, timelines, deliverables, and accountability structures for major initiatives.
• Identify barriers to implementation and work with leadership and program teams to develop solutions.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership regarding project progress, outcomes, challenges, and emerging opportunities.
• Supervise project staff including interns.

Grants & Funding Development

• Identify and pursue new grant opportunities and other external funding opportunities aligned with RSB priorities.
• Collaborate with program leadership, Finance, Grants, Development, and other internal partners on funding proposals and related initiatives.
• Support the development of grant applications, budgets, work plans, performance measures, and required reporting.
• Develop and maintain relationships with funders, community partners, and other external stakeholders as appropriate.
• Monitor funding opportunities and emerging priorities to identify opportunities for RSB program growth and sustainability.

SIM & Emerging Initiatives

• Support future SIM projects and other emerging strategic initiatives within RSB.
• Help translate new opportunities, funding priorities, and organizational goals into actionable projects and implementation plans.
• Serve as a resource to RSB leadership and program teams for launching and coordinating new initiatives.
• Support innovation, continuous improvement, and the development of new approaches to strengthen recovery services.

Senior Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Recovery Services Bureau Senior Leadership Team (RSBSLT).
• Participate in strategic planning, organizational decision-making, and Bureau-wide priority setting.
• Provide leadership and consultation on cross-Bureau initiatives and emerging operational or strategic needs.
• Represent RSB in internal and external meetings, committees, partnerships, and initiatives as assigned.
• Foster collaboration across RSB programs and promote alignment between special initiatives and ongoing program operations.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with community organizations, public agencies, funders, and other partners on community initiatives.
• Represent RSB in meetings and forums related to assigned initiatives and funding opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnership development, and expansion of RSB services.

Other  

• Works in a confidential capacity.
• Participates on committees and in special projects regarding RSB personnel, as assigned.
• Operates independently and uses independent judgment and discretion to make decisions affecting the department and staff as it relates to unit operations/services, licensing requirements, ethicalpractice and BPHC policy.
• Make and recommend management and personnel decisions for, including but not limited to promotion, transfer and assignment of staff, and imposition of discipline.
• Perform other duties as required

• Master’s degree in public health, social work, public administration, human services, healthcare administration, or a related field preferred.
• Significant experience leading complex projects, strategic initiatives, grants, programs, or organizational initiatives.
• Experience with grant development, funding opportunities, contract management, or externally funded initiatives.
• Experience working in behavioral health, substance use services, public health, recovery services, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Strong project management skills and the demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a complex organizational environment.
• Ability to work effectively and build relationships with senior leadership, program staff, community partners, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop proposals, reports, presentations, and executive-level updates.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and lead initiatives from concept through implementation and evaluation.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
• Commitmentto health equity and racial/social justice issues. 
• Prior experience working with local, state and/or federal government. 
• Ability to interact sensitively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socio-economic,educational and professional backgrounds.  
• Ability to develop and manage administrative policies and procedures that maximize effectiveness and efficiency of direct service programs. 
• Knowledge and experienceof EEO, Diversity and ADA.  
• Able to follow directions and work harmoniously with staff. 
• Bilingual and bicultural skills desirable.