Director, Disaster Risk Reduction

Job Description

As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross works on the front lines of the climate change crisis every day. We make a vital difference for families and communities in the U.S. and around the world who are coping with the impacts of this crisis. Through our Mission Adaptation program, our goal is to build and equip a resilient network of community-based partners and workforce ready to augment and enhance food security, emergency shelter and care, and access to health and mental health services needed when climate emergencies strike and to ultimately reduce the impact of climate caused displacement and poverty for families at extreme risk by helping them more rapidly transition to safe, stable, and affordable housing. If you share our passion for helping people and making a difference, join us in this excellent career opportunity.

The American Red Cross is seeking a Director, Disaster Risk Reduction . This position is remote and can be done from anywhere within the United States (Eastern time zone preferred).

The Disaster Risk Reduction Director reports to the Executive Director of Mission Adaptation at the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross. This position will build and manage multiple field teams of three people and a remote Grants Manager. The Disaster Risk Reduction Director is responsible for strategic leadership that will drive program development and design principles as well as field implementation of the Mission Adaptation program. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of program development and implementation, team management, community resiliency work with vulnerable populations, partner management, metric development and achievement, and program evaluation and improvement. The position will ensure that program implementation and defined activities are carried out in accordance with Mission Adaptation objectives.

Perform all duties and responsibilities in compliance with standard operating procedures and other applicable Federal, State and local regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and create methods, activities and procedures for developing and implementing community programs that improve resilience among vulnerable populations through access to health and mental health, food and housing resources.
• Direct and coordinate activities for the field implementation of the Mission Adaptation program to meet objectives.
• Hire, manage, support and evaluate employee and volunteer workforce including 8-15 field teams and a Grants Manager. Engage workforce in the development and implementation of Mission Adaptation policies, procedures and programs.
• Oversee all field team budgets and ensure benchmarks and timelines are met.
• Ensure consistent integration of Mission Adaptation elements with other programs within the organization.
• Create and nurture effective communication between NHQ workforce, field Mission Adaptation workforce and regional and divisional staff.
• Build financially sound, executable, data-driven business strategies in support of the Mission Adaptation program. Develop growth strategies for areas of responsibility.
• Manage Mission Adaptation budget.
• Develop and review reports and data to ensure progress is being accomplished toward specified program objectives and modify methodology as required to obtain objectives.
• Develop and implement short and long-term strategies to integrate program priorities into overall organizational Mission Adaptation objectives and manage the execution of those strategies.
• Ensure all disaster risk reduction and other resilience activities are developed and implemented with equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Work in conjunction with internal departments, the Mission Adaptation team and partner agencies in the development of partner grants and/or fundraising strategies.
• Ensure grant procedures follow Red Cross finance, audit, legal and program standards.
• Support Mission Adaptation field units and NHQ workforce during disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required preferably with a concentration in Non-Profit Management, Human and Social Services, Emergency Management, or Public Health.

Experience: Minimum 7 years of related experience, preferably in disaster risk reduction, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Management Experience: 5 years of management experience, preferably in community resilience program development.

Skills & Abilities: Ability to lead a team, preferably within a matrixed work environment. Develop and implement strategies to achieve Mission Adaptation goals. Demonstrate analytical and decision-making skills to develop creative processes for continuous program or service improvements. Technical expertise in disaster risk reduction. Ability to develop and implement a program. Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong skills in planning and problem-solving. Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals. Proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Familiarity with federal, state and local employment laws.

Preferred Skill Set: Spanish speaking.

Travel: Travel required 60 – 70%.

• Combination of candidate’s education and general experience satisfies requirements so long as the total years equate to description’s Qualifications minimum education and general experience years combined (Management experience cannot be substituted).

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The work environment will consist of moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phones and printers, light traffic). The employee must have the ability to work in a small cubicle and have the ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

Other: All full-time employees in the disaster cycle must be willing and able to be deployed, as needed. This position is also responsible for ensuring that all American Red Cross finance policies and procedures are followed as related to the scope of work activity. Upon employment, must be able to learn and become proficient in: ARC programs and procedures, Volunteer Management, Financial Management, Cultural Competency, Emergency Management Practices, and Community & Government Partnerships.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Apply now! Joining our team will provide you with the opportunity to make a difference every day.

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interested in Volunteering?

Life’s emergencies don’t stop, and neither do American Red Cross volunteers, who represent more than 90 percent of our workforce to help prevent and alleviate human suffering. You can make a difference by volunteering in a position that appeals to you and allows you to use your unique skills and talents. The Red Cross relies on generous volunteers who give their time and talent to help fulfill our lifesaving mission.

Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.

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