Substance Use Prevention Coordinator

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Substance Use Prevention Coordinator to lead prevention and wellbeing programs for students. You will work with PATH and campus partners to implement evidence‑based strategies across multiple wellness dimensions.

The role emphasizes collaboration, program development, data‑driven evaluation, and adherence to FERPA/privacy standards, with potential for hybrid arrangements and ongoing professional growth at a leading public university.

Qualifications

• Post‑baccalaureate degree required or relevant experience with student support functions may be considered with a bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s degree in public health or closely related field preferred; 1–3 years in primary prevention is a plus.
• Knowledge of FERPA, 42 CFR Part 2, and privacy/confidentiality related to student records.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision, development, implementation, and evaluation of substance use prevention and wellbeing programs.
• Lead campus naloxone access and opioid overdose prevention and collaborate with Recovery Programs Coordinator.
• Integrate wellness concepts across eight dimensions and support student health indicators.
• Oversee graduate assistants/undergraduates and advise student organizations as needed.
• Collaborate with Campus & Community Coalition and partner with campus departments to address prevention needs.

Skills

Prevention science

Wellness promotion

FERPA/privacy

Program development

Communication

Diversity awareness

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent

Master’s degree in public health

Job description

Department:

Student Aff Student Wellness-640701

Career Area :

Student Services

Posting Open Date:

10/23/2026

Application Deadline:

11/12/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

Substance Use Prevention Coordinator

Appointment Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

20016571

Vacancy ID:

NF0010135

Full Time/Part Time:

Full-Time Permanent

FTE:

1

Hours per week:

40

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

Commensurate with education and experience

Proposed Start Date:

01/04/2027

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

UNC-Chapel Hill’s Prevention, Advocacy, Therapy, & Harm Reduction (PATH) program serves as a vital co-curricular and Student Success partner in supporting students and the broader campus community regarding substance use education and prevention, risk awareness and mitigation, confidential therapeutic services and case management, and a robust collegiate recovery program. Through partnerships with other campus departments, community agencies, student organizations, and peer mentors, we use evidence-based public health and social work strategies to foster an environment that creates, emphasizes, and supports healthy choices and positive decision‑making. We utilize a whole‑person, student‑centered, non‑judgmental, and supportive approach, and are seeking experienced professionals to join our interdisciplinary team.

Position Summary:

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Under the direction and support of the Director of PATH Services, the Substance Use Prevention Coordinator provides strategic vision, development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-informed substance use prevention, harm reduction, and general wellbeing-related programs, services, and resources. The Coordinator utilizes national standards and compliance guidelines such as CAS, ACHA, AIM, EDGAR Part 86, and related best practices to inform work that supports a full‑scale primary prevention, collaborative approach to population‑based education, prevention, and outreach efforts related to alcohol, tobacco, and other substance topics.

The Coordinator leads campus naloxone access and opioid overdose prevention efforts and related harm reduction initiatives, and collaborates closely with the Recovery Programs Coordinator to connect prevention, harm reduction, and collegiate recovery support across a continuum of care for students.

The Coordinator infuses and integrates this work utilizing our eight dimensions of wellness framework, working within intersecting topics such as stress reduction, mindfulness, sleep health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, interpersonal violence, health equity, and other related student health and wellbeing indicators. The Coordinator may provide oversight and student development support to multiple graduate assistants and undergraduate interns, as well as student organization advising.

The Coordinator serves as an important member of a larger professional health promotion team and as an active member of the Campus & Community Coalition.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Relevant post‑Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities associated with the delivery and/or management of student support functions, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and at least 1 year of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Working knowledge of current trends and standards in primary prevention science and approaches.
• Expressed understanding of and passion for promoting holistic wellness as a model for engaging students in health‑promoting and prevention‑oriented programs and services.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply health education and prevention principles, theories, and practices to a broader campus setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles and concepts related to health equity and cultural competence when working with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated successful program development, implementation, and evaluation experience.
• Ability to present an outgoing, positive, and engaging perspective when interacting with campus constituents.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships and to work with diverse undergraduate and graduate/professional students, faculty, and staff communities, and with both health professionals and non‑health‑related colleagues.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of FERPA, 42 CFR Part 2, and privacy/confidentiality related to student records and substance use disclosures.
• Demonstrated experience navigating and managing sensitive topics related to substance use.
• Evidence of ability to practice problem‑solving skills in analyzing the health and wellness needs of emerging adults, especially high‑achieving college students.
• Evidence of ability to work independently and exercise critical and analytical thinking skills to address student and developing staff needs.
• Evidence of ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Master’s degree in public health or a closely related field.
• 1-3 years’ previous primary prevention experience, preferably within a university setting and/or with young adult populations.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Ability to move up to 25 lbs., with or without accommodations, while preparing program materials for outreach.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support campus‑wide events, outreach, and student programming (e.g., Week of Welcome, FallFest, Safetoberfest, LDOC).

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.