Special Project Coordinator (ORU)

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Office of Public Safety (OPS) was launched in 2024 to make communities safer, improve public perceptions of safety, and help communities heal from the traumas of violence. In pursuit of those goals, OPS coordinates multi-disciplinary public safety efforts across City government and with community and institutional stakeholders. Currently, OPS has over 100 staff and is home to six (6) individual offices: Office of Criminal Justice, Office of Safe Neighborhoods, Office of Reentry Partnerships, Office of Victim Advocate, Overdose Response Unit, and Town Watch Integrated Services.

The Office of Safe Neighborhoods (OSN) implements strategies and initiatives to prevent, reduce, and end violence in Philadelphia. OSN is particularly focused on addressing gun violence.

 

The Office of Criminal Justice (OCJ) advances the Parker’s Administration’s goals of public safety and community well-being through collaborative and data-driven initiatives in Philadelphia’s criminal and juvenile justice systems.

 

Town Watch Integrated Services (TWIS) is a volunteer focused safety effort. Residents of the community who wish to volunteer for their community will receive assistance from Town Watch Integrated Services.

 

The Office of Reentry Partnerships (ORP) was formed in August 2019 to elevate and organize citywide reentry efforts and support the Parker Administration’s goal for criminal justice reform, violence prevention, and community reinvestment.

 

The Overdose Response Unit (ORU) is committed to saving lives and rejuvenating communities that have been most affected by the opioid crisis. This unit works across City departments and within city neighborhoods to lead the citywide opioid response strategies, target interventions where opioid overdoses happen most, and align City resources and share expertise across departments.

 

The Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA) was opened in February 2022 to provide coordination, strategic planning, and service provision for the oversight for victims, co-victims, and survivors of crime, with a special emphasis on gun violence and homicide.

 

Job Description

Position Summary

The Special Project Coordinator for the Overdose Response Unit (ORU) will lead the implementation and coordination of the Naloxone in Black Campaign established by the ORU with support of the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) and funded through Vital Strategies. This individual will execute the role of Special Project Coordinator in relation to the Naloxone in Black Campaign which includes data collection, resource tracking, stocking and maintaining inventory of naloxone, conducting trainings on use of Naloxone with community partners, and other associated tasks. Additionally, this position will act as a support role to other projects of the ORU as needed given the Naloxone in Black activities are completed. The ideal candidate for this position is an organized, outgoing, and spirited individual with a passion for community engagement and a basic understanding of intersectional issues related to substance misuse, overdose, race and marginalized population. The Special Project Coordinator will report to the Lead Project Manager of the Naloxone in Black Campaign and will have oversight from the Deputy Director of the Overdose Response Unit. The Special Project Coordinator will also work closely with partnering agencies as well as community-based organizations and external non-profits. Specifically, the Special Project Coordinator will work as a liaison between the ORU, PFD, and community organizations.

 

Essential Functions

• Effectively lead and support multi-agency project teams to enable team to achieve project outcomes.
• Successfully coordinate detailed logistics with multiple stakeholders across departments, quick moving timelines, and operational complexity.
• Assemble project teams, identify needed resources, assign responsibilities, and develop timeframes to facilitate successful completion of project activities and deliverables, with significant time devoted to encampment resolution.
• Actively manage tasks and team members’ work to ensure project requirements are achieved in a timely fashion and within budget guidelines, including tracking key project milestones.
• Quickly address problems that arise and make recommendations regarding adjustments to leadership as needed.
• Monitor and manage project costs and ensure delivery within budgetary guidelines.
• Convene and chair project meetings with internal stakeholders and external partners, and document meeting minutes.
• Prepare status reports, status summaries and dashboards for presentation to mid and senior level management.
• Complete tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform cost/benefit analysis and develop options for leadership decision making.
• Coordinate special events aimed at advancing quality of life, such as social service resource fairs.
• Proactively provide ideas and critical feedback – as well as being open to such constructive dialogue – as part of constantly improving ORU’s work.
• Compile and maintain data tracking on the use of naloxone at all 63 fire stations.
• Driving to and from the 63 designated Philadelphia Fire Department Naloxone Boxes, refilling them with naloxone boxes, tracking inventory and addressing any questions or concerns with the fire department.

 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Multi-tasker: ability to think strategically and to lead multiple projects on tight timeframes with excellent attention to detail.
• Communicator: strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to create and present project reports and to communicate effectively with stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Relationship-builder: Ability to work with a variety of people and personalities, listen and ask questions to identify new inquiry opportunities, and cultivate strong relationships to ensure seamless collaboration and continued project support.
• Curious: Ability to practice active listening, ask questions to get at the root of a problem, be open to receiving/giving constructive feedback, and have a sincere interest in learning new skills or growing old ones.
• Action-oriented: Ability to see opportunities, navigate barriers, be self-directed, and problem-solve solutions that enhance the City’s deliverables, processes, and practices.
• Resilient: Ability to have a sense of humor, learn from mistakes, and/or return to work after experiencing a setback.
• Amplifier: Ability to amplify others’ strengths and successes and operate beyond ego and self-interest.
• Implementer: Strong analytical skills and knowledge of the principles of project management and logistics planning.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in the field of substance use response and/or community engagement.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience managing projects, particularly projects that require collaboration across different groups or teams.
• Education: At a minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in public policy, psychology, sociology, political science, statistics, economics, mathematics, urban planning, or another field of relevance to local government. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience working in an urban environment and a demonstrated appreciation for cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity.

Must have a valid driver’s license.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $62,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

Client-provided location(s): Philadelphia, PA

Job ID: c9d6a28f-416d-44fc-a7fe-91a819a8949c

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-03-09T13:48:40