RIZE Massachusetts Announces Senior Staff Appointments

RIZE News

January 31, 2018

RIZE Massachusetts (RIZE) announced today two key hires in development and programming to help carry out its ambitious agenda to fight the Commonwealth’s opioid epidemic:

• Mark Walsh, Director of External Affairs and Philanthropy
• Anne Marie Boursiquot King, Senior Program Officer

“We’re thrilled to have these two highly talented and experienced professionals join the RIZE team” said Julie Burns, Executive Director. “Together, they will manage the collaboration of business and civic leaders, health industry and medical experts, and public health stakeholders assembled by RIZE to address the urgent challenge of ending the opioid crisis.”

Mark Walsh leads development in his new role. RIZE plans to raise $50 million over the next several years and invest in proven and innovative opioid treatment, prevention, and educational programs. In addition to development, Mr. Walsh will manage outreach efforts, including donor and corporate relations. He brings extensive government and nonprofit experience to the organization. He served as Deputy Chief of Protocol of the United States from 2011 to 2017, overseeing visits of international dignitaries for the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State and engaging in several Department of State public/private fundraising initiatives. Prior to that, Mr. Walsh worked as the Vice President of Development for AIDS Action, as National Director of LGBT Outreach for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 Presidential Campaign, and co-founded Rafanelli Events. Mr. Walsh received his JD from Boston University and practiced law for several years before working in the public sector.

“RIZE will bring philanthropy to a level that matches the urgency of the crisis, and will support programs making lasting impacts. Mark and Anne Marie will be tremendous assets to RIZE in our mission to turn the tide on this epidemic” said Dr. David Torchiana, CEO of Mass General Brigham and Chair of the RIZE Board of Directors.

As Senior Program Officer, Anne Marie Boursiquot King oversees the RIZE portfolio of grants and programs, managing overall grant operations, and will provide direction to the board of directors and advisors on program strategy, evaluation, and governance. She comes to RIZE from her own consulting practice focused on improving nonprofit capacity and foundation and funder impact. Prior to that, Ms. Boursiquot King was Managing Director of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation where she helped launch the organization in 2008, led several statewide initiatives, funded collaborations, and granted nearly $20 million to more than 350 organizations during her tenure. Ms. Boursiquot King holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Bentley College Graduate School of Business.

Position Summary

The Massachusetts Harm Reduction Workforce Coalition (MAHRWC), established in 2024, is a statewide organization designed to strengthen, connect, and sustain the harm reduction workforce across Massachusetts through community, training, mutual support, and collective action.

The first of its kind in Massachusetts, MAHRWC continues to grow its network of harm reduction workers, advocates, and partners committed to saving lives and advancing justice across the Commonwealth.

The project coordinator will be fully dedicated to MAHRWC, providing day-to-day support for coalition operations, communications, and member engagement. This role helps ensure coalition activities run smoothly by:

  • Managing administrative systems and internal coordination.
  • Coordinating meetings, events, agendas, and follow-up materials.
  • Supporting data tracking, reporting, and documentation.
  • Serving as a key point of contact for members, partners, and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, committed to public health and harm reduction principles, and comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, including community-based organizations, healthcare providers, policymakers, and people with lived and living experience.

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Administrative & Operational Support

  • Manage coalition calendars, schedules, and meeting logistics.
  • Coordinate virtual and in-person meetings, including agenda preparation and note-taking. This includes the coalition advisory board's regular bimonthly meetings.
  • Maintain shared drives, databases, and internal documentation systems (Google Suite, Zoom, Constant Contact).
  • Support the executive director with activities related to contract and grant reporting.
  • Provide logistical support for trainings, conferences, and coalition events.

2. Communications & Member Engagement

  • Serve as the first point of contact for coalition inquiries.
  • Maintain membership lists and distribution groups.
  • Draft and distribute newsletters, meeting summaries, and updates.
  • Support social media and website updates (if applicable) alongside other staff and consultants.
  • Assist in preparing reports, briefs, and presentations.

3. Data & Reporting Support

  • Track coalition activities, deliverables, and metrics.
  • Assist with grant reporting and compliance documentation.
  • Compile and organize workforce data and partner updates.

4. Event & Training Coordination

  • Coordinate registration and materials for workforce training along with the training coordinator.
  • Support the training coordinator with speaker communication and event logistics.
  • Gather participant feedback and evaluation data.

 

Qualifications

Required

  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting platforms
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

  • Experience in public health, behavioral health, or harm reduction
  • Familiarity with workforce development initiatives
  • Experience supporting coalitions or multi-partner collaborations
  • Experience working with communities disproportionately impacted by substance use and overdose

Core Competencies

  • Commitment to harm reduction philosophy and health equity
  • Cultural humility and trauma-informed approach
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset
  • High level of discretion and professionalism

 

Work Environment

RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE), launched in 2017, is the only public-private partnership dedicated to ending the overdose crisis. Guided by those with lived experience and unafraid of new ideas, RIZE is building networks, creating programming, and supporting community partners using novel approaches to preventing overdose and increasing access to treatment. Since its inception, RIZE has awarded over $30 million to more than 275 organizations aligned with its mission.

As MAHRWC’s fiscal partner, RIZE provides financial and administrative support while respecting the group's autonomy and self-determination and supports the coalition’s efforts to dismantle systemic inequities and help build a future where compassion, dignity, and support replace stigma and neglect.

This position reports to RIZE’s chief program officer and works closely with the chief executive officer. It is a full-time, hybrid role with the expectation of two days in the office. RIZE is in downtown Boston, and occasional travel, primarily in-state, will be required for meetings and events as needed. This role may require evening and occasional weekend work.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, or other status protected under the law.

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