RIZE Massachusetts Receives $2 Million in 2022 State Budget

RIZE News

July 22, 2021

Appropriation Builds on Previous Investments That Fund Critical Programs to Fight Opioid Epidemic

BOSTON (July 22, 2021) – RIZE Massachusetts, an independent nonprofit foundation working to end the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts, received a $2 million appropriation to support its programs in the state’s fiscal 2022 budget signed into law on July 16 by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Funds will be utilized for operations and certain grant-making initiatives, including the organization’s $800,000 Innovations in Anti-Racism to Address the Opioid Overdose Crisis grant program.  The funding follows a $2 million appropriation in the fiscal 2021 budget passed earlier this year, which supported a number of RIZE programs, including the Harm Reduction Training (HaRT) Scholars initiative, which enables internships and specialized training for 32 HaRT Scholars at three Massachusetts schools of social work.

“The Massachusetts House is proud to support the work of RIZE Massachusetts in their fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy).  “It is critically important to support their mission at a time when overdose deaths are rising, particularly among people of color.  Paired with hundreds of millions of dollars to address the opioid epidemic through the FY22 state budget, the funds appropriated for RIZE will make a big difference in the lives of those suffering from substance use disorder.”

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have lost ground in the fight against the opioid epidemic,” said Julie Burns, president and CEO of RIZE Massachusetts.  “This funding will help us act quickly to stem the tide and save lives through innovative, meaningful and evidence-based interventions.  I’d like to thank the Legislature and the Baker-Polito Administration for their continued support of our efforts and those of providers across the Commonwealth as we partner to reach the goal of zero stigma and zero deaths.”

“With the COVID-19 pandemic creating further barriers for those in need to seek treatment, substance use disorder has been a growing area of concern for the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means.  “These critical funds secured through the budget process will be essential to combating these increases and will help us get a better handle on this epidemic.  I want to applaud RIZE for their tireless work in this area and for their commitment to equity as we work toward recovery and better treatment outcomes for everyone.” 

“Supporting the most vulnerable among us is a necessary and vital part of ensuring the Commonwealth’s equitable recovery, and that certainly includes support for those struggling with substance use disorder,” said Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  “RIZE’s work has only become more crucial during the pandemic, and I thank them for all they do to improve treatment outcomes, combat stigma, and increase access to care across the Commonwealth.”

The budget amendment was introduced by Rep. Jon Santiago (D-Boston) and championed by several members of the Legislature who recognize the severity of the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts and how the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered efforts to reduce overdoses.  In May, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that overdose deaths in Commonwealth increased by 5 percent in 2020.

“The $2 million appropriation secured for RIZE is a key step forward in the fight to end the opioid epidemic,” said Rep. Santiago.  “While the COVID-19 pandemic may have slowed down efforts to prevent overdoses, this funding is critical in helping us reduce harm and save lives.  Thank you to Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for your support and to RIZE for your dedicated commitment toward the goal of zero stigma and zero deaths.”

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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