Senior Project Manager

About the role

The Senior Project Manager will provide strategic oversight and hands-on management for the CDC Foundation's portion of the national Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Capacity Building Initiative. This role owns the end-to-end execution of projects that connect CDC with state and local jurisdictions to strengthen overdose prevention and response systems. The hire will serve as a critical bridge between program leadership, federal partners, and external stakeholders to ensure timely, high-quality delivery of services. They will exercise sound judgment to resolve complex operational issues while maintaining alignment with public health priorities and organizational standards. The position requires a proactive mindset and disciplined execution to manage multiple moving parts across a geographically diverse footprint. Success in this role will depend on the ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and drive results in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

Coordinate the implementation of the request for application process to jurisdictions for identifying staffing and capacity needs in support of the OD2A program.

Develop strategic approaches to meet jurisdictional needs in a timely manner, including oversight of expedited hiring and supervision of Project Managers in the field.

Manage a portfolio of active projects, tracking deliverables, milestones, and deadlines to ensure on-time completion and alignment with program objectives.

Supervise a team of direct reports and field employees, fostering a collaborative team atmosphere even when working in remote environments.

Lead cross-functional collaboration with internal partners such as Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Compliance, and Payroll to align project activities with organizational policies.

Monitor and manage program budgets, including the design, implementation, and oversight of federal and non-federal funding streams.

Provide quality control over monthly expenditure reports, invoice reviews, and financial documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Supervise the preparation and submission of narrative and financial reports, and updates to donors, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Work with Programmatic Leadership to implement and refine systems and processes that enhance consistency, efficiency, and quality of project management.

Keep abreast of and develop specialized knowledge of national overdose prevention and response efforts and the specific goals of the OD2A program.

Foster and maintain peer-to-peer relationships with subject matter experts, donors, partners, and other stakeholders to support effective program implementation.

Contribute to resource mobilization efforts for assigned programs through consultation and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Represent the CDC Foundation at technical, policy, and strategic planning meetings, evaluating strategies to ensure they meet public health missions and goals.

Prepare, negotiate, and monitor program-related contracts, agreements, and amendments to safeguard organizational and funder interests.

Support projects that enhance public health and public safety collaborations through identification of partners, data collection, and dissemination of findings.

Formulate program-related goals, objectives, operating policies, strategic plans, guidelines, governance, standards, and priorities in alignment with departmental standard operating procedures.

Support Programmatic Leadership in the federal grant application process, preparing necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

Requirements

Applicants must possess a Master's degree, preferably in Public Health, or a related field such as health policy, health promotion, global health, or health administration.

A minimum of five years of demonstrated leadership in a public health, non-profit, or related program work setting within the public health community is required.

Candidates must have at least four years of supervisory experience leading multi-level teams and managing direct reports.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and supervise teams effectively is essential for success in this role.

Proven track record of increasing levels of responsibility and leadership in previous positions is required.

Experience cultivating a team atmosphere and maintaining engagement in remote environments is mandatory.

Applicants must have hands-on management of federal and non-federal budgets, including design and implementation of program budgets.

Demonstrated history of cross-functional collaboration with internal partners including Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Compliance, and Payroll is required.

Experience managing multiple programs simultaneously, including oversight of deliverables and adherence to deadlines, is necessary.

Prior experience in program evaluation, including report writing and editing for diverse audiences, is required.

Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and engage in strategic external partnerships is essential.

Excellent customer service and a servant leadership approach toward both internal and external stakeholders is required.

Candidates must be able to successfully manage individual workloads while supporting a multi-level team structure.

Strong judgment, decision-making, analytical skills, business intuition, and acumen are required for this position.

Proficiency in verbal and written presentation skills is mandatory for effective communication.

Ability to work on weekends, after hours, and to travel domestically as required is essential.

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills, is required.

Working knowledge of Smartsheet and Salesforce is preferred as part of the technical skill set.

Practical notes

This position is hybrid to Atlanta.

Position End Date is 9/29/2026.

Travel may be required domestically as part of project duties.

Candidates must meet the outlined experience and education criteria without exception.