The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC’s critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has raised over $1.9 billion and launched more than 1,300 programs impacting a variety of health threats from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like rotavirus and HIV, to emergency responses, including COVID-19 and Ebola. The CDC Foundation managed hundreds of programs in the United States and in more than 90 countries last year. Visit www.cdcfoundation.org for more information.  

Location: This position will work a hybrid schedule based in Atlanta, GA. Relocation expenses are not provided.

Salary Range: $145,000 - $165,000, plus benefits

Position Type: Grant funded, limited-term opportunity contingent upon funding

Position End Date: June 30, 2027

The senior director for drowning prevention initiatives provides scientific knowledge and expertise in support of programs and projects focused on building the evidence base to inform drowning prevention strategies in the United States and globally. In that capacity, the senior director collaborates closely with executive leadership of the department/office as well as internal and external partners to identify and maximize partnerships that improve scientific practice and communications in drowning prevention. With a strong commitment to the CDC Foundation’s mission, the senior director works alongside department and organization staff to translate research and data science innovations into the ongoing practice of assigned programs.

The senior director will leverage expertise and experience in designing and implementing drowning prevention programs. Strong leadership and communication skills are required.

1. Directs and provides scientific guidance and expertise for initiatives focused on drowning prevention that align research and scientific practices across programs and projects to form mutually reinforcing partnerships spanning networks of partners including philanthropists, subject matter experts, partner organizations, team members, governmental agencies, multi-lateral agencies, policy makers and sub-awardees.

2. Builds strong partnerships with governmental and nongovernmental agencies and provides strategic input and expertise related to collaborative scientific partnerships.

3. Provides strategic technical oversight over a portfolio of drowning prevention programs which aim to strengthen drowning data at the state level, conduct focus groups, catalog existing water safety legislation and expand access to basic swimming and water safety skills training.

4. Leads development of standards anchored in management of drowning prevention programs and partnerships that ensure alignment with standards of practice for methodology, data integrity and scientific review.

5. Mentors and supervises technical advisors and scientific staff.

6. Collaborates with internal and external partners to identify and develop CDC Foundation opportunities.

7. Contributes to resource mobilization in consultation and collaboration with internal and external partners.

8. Leads coordinated management of multiple, time-bound, unique and related projects to advance excellence in program implementation and public health practice.

9. Formulates drowning prevention program-related goals, objectives, operating policies, strategic plans, guidelines, governance, standards and priorities to ensure consistency with organization, department and office standard operating procedures.

10. Represents the CDC Foundation at scientific, technical, policy and strategic planning meetings with internal and external partners.

11. Travels domestically or internationally as needed to represent the designated programs and the CDC Foundation (up to 20 percent annually).

12. Participates in and/or leads special projects and other duties as assigned.

1. Doctor of Philosophy or related degree from an accredited college or university strongly preferred. Master of Public Health or related degree from an accredited college or university required.

2. Minimum of 10 years of progressive public health and/or related professional experience required. Direct experience in drowning prevention required.

3. Proficiency with both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies and implementation best practices.

4. Established publication record including peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, and other technical documents.

5. Knowledge and skills needed to synergize mutually reinforcing activities in program implementation and the application of scientific standards to a growing, diverse and complex programmatic portfolio with emphasis on an ability to navigate evolving priorities, demands and strategy.

6. Knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage, lead and expand a complex and growing network of partners such as philanthropists, subject matter experts, partner organizations, team members, governmental agencies, multi-lateral agencies, policy makers and sub-awardees.

7. Demonstrated ability to use both consensus and directive leadership, as appropriate, to accomplish organizational, departmental and programmatic strategic and scientific objectives.

8. Demonstrated success fostering an inclusive environment working with and leading professionals from diverse backgrounds and geographies.

9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience effectively communicating with senior leaders from diverse backgrounds.

10. Ability to represent the CDC Foundation and its partners, leading discussions and negotiations concerning research strategy, implementation and evaluation.

11. Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; collegial, energetic and able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, donors and partners.

12. Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in collaborating with individuals of varying levels of seniority both internally and externally.