Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Project Manager

at Cdcfoundation

🏢 About Cdcfoundation

The CDC Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that mobilizes philanthropic and private sector resources to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's critical health protection work. Working here means contributing to public health initiatives that have a direct impact on communities across the nation and globally, with a focus on innovation and collaboration.

About This Role

As a Senior Project Manager, you will lead the implementation of the OD2A Capacity Building Initiative, overseeing the request for application process, expedited hiring, and supervising a team of Project Managers. Your work will directly support jurisdictions in their overdose prevention and response efforts, making a tangible difference in the fight against the overdose epidemic.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual check-in with your project managers to review hiring progress and address challenges. You'll then spend time coordinating with CDC partners, reviewing RFA applications, and ensuring compliance, while also strategizing on how to streamline processes to meet urgent staffing needs.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Cdcfoundation Is Looking For

  • A seasoned public health professional with a Master's degree in Public Health or a related field, and at least 5 years of leadership experience in public health programs.
  • A proven supervisor with 4+ years of experience managing multi-level teams, adept at independent work and team oversight.
  • Strategic thinker with experience in grant management, project planning, and stakeholder coordination, particularly in government or nonprofit settings.
  • Excellent communicator who can navigate complex bureaucratic environments and foster collaboration among diverse partners.

📝 Tips for Applying to Cdcfoundation

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific OD2A or overdose-related experience, even if it's tangential, to show your understanding of the program's goals.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your experience with RFA processes and expedited hiring, as these are core responsibilities.

3

Quantify your supervisory experience (e.g., 'Managed a team of 5 project managers') to demonstrate your leadership capacity.

4

Research the OD2A program and the CDC Foundation's role in it, and reference specific initiatives or successes in your application.

5

Since the role is hybrid in Atlanta, express your willingness to work in that modality and your ability to manage a team remotely if needed.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your passion for public health and overdose prevention, aligning your personal mission with the Foundation's work.", 'Highlight your experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines, similar to the RFA process.', "Showcase your supervisory philosophy and examples of how you've developed and guided teams to success.", "Mention any experience working with CDC or federal agencies, as it's a plus for this role."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the CDC Foundation's mission, recent annual reports, and their initiatives beyond OD2A to understand the broader impact.
  • → Study the OD2A program, including its goals, recent funding announcements, and state-level implementation challenges.
  • → Look into the CDC Foundation's organizational structure and culture, especially how they support staff and foster professional development.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the overdose crisis statistics and current public health strategies, such as harm reduction, to speak knowledgeably.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach the expedited hiring process to meet jurisdiction staffing needs quickly while maintaining quality?
2 Describe a time you managed a project with shifting priorities and how you kept the team focused.
3 What strategies do you use to supervise a team of project managers across different locations or time zones?
4 How do you ensure compliance and equity in a competitive RFA process?
5 Can you share an example of how you've used data to drive project decisions in a public health context?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention OD2A or the CDC Foundation specifically.
  • Avoid downplaying the importance of supervisory experience; even if you have less, emphasize any team leadership roles.
  • Don't overlook the hybrid work requirement; if you're not willing to work in Atlanta, your application may be rejected.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Cdcfoundation!

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