American Red Cross

Disaster Program Manager

Posted on: 30 Mar 2021

Montgomery, AL

Job Description

Job Description:


At the Red Cross, there is no such thing as a small disaster. In every single case it is our mission to help people affected by disaster meet their emergency needs that include shelter, food, clothing, and health and mental health services. As a paid staff member, you will support our loyal Red Cross disaster volunteers who serve selflessly to provide a bridge of assistance until individuals and families can resume a normal life. Our disaster volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission to respond to emergencies and provide relief to victims of disasters. They serve in a number of capacities, including Disaster Action Team Member, Disaster Assessment, Caseworker, Mass Care Feeding, Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Driver, Shelter Manager/Staff, Disaster Health Services and Disaster Mental Health.

The American Red Cross of Alabama and Mississippi Region is seeking a Disaster Program Manager (DPM) to support our Disaster Response Area (DRA), the counties associated with this DRA are: Montgomery, Bullock, Elmore, Macon . This position will work Monday - Friday with planned and unplanned evenings and/or weekends. You must be willing to work on call 24/7. A valid driver's license and good driving record is required to operate a Red Cross vehicle. Regional travel expected to be 60% once restrictions are lifted. *All full time disaster employees must be willing and able to be deployed, as needed.*

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Key to this position's success is the effective management and engagement of volunteers and volunteer teams.

**Bilingual candidates (Spanish/English) are highly desirable as well as candidates with volunteer management and volunteer recruiting experience.**

The Disaster Program Manager (DPM) is responsible taking full cycle responsibility to provide service delivery programs within a defined DRA geography under the supervision and authority of a Senior DPM. To accomplish this, the DPM will be responsible for the development and leadership of volunteers, as well as implementing and developing initiatives to increase Red Cross visibility through program/service delivery. Acts as a program or service subject matter expert (SME) to staff, management, volunteers, and external partners.

The DPM will accomplish this responsibility largely through the development, operational guidance, and support of a team of trained volunteer leaders, volunteers and partners that will stand ready to deliver/support the services of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery programs in the assigned jurisdiction. These teams will operate as part of a tiered mutual aid structure (local/regional/divisional/national), serving as the front line of support to local communities. These services include but are not limited to; response to recurrent local disasters (house fires, floods, etc.), capacity building for mass care service delivery, participation in the Home Fire Campaign, and direct assistance and recovery services to those impacted by disasters.

Responsibilities:

1. Program Management and Engagement: Responsible for the implementation of the Disaster Cycle Services program in a DRA in alignment with established metrics and may be assigned the following duties at the discretion of the region. Drivers for these additional responsibilities include the number of municipalities within its coverage area, the amount and complexity of program activity, presence of significant grant funding, geography, risk, population, frequency of events, and regional structure.

* Represent part of a broader Disaster Cycle Services team within the American Red Cross that is prepared to mobilize in support of disaster events across the country. In support of this, the Disaster Program Manager must be prepared to assist in the mobilization and support of local resources (volunteers, equipment, and supplies), as well as potential deployment themselves to serve in a leadership capacity on a relief operation outside of their area of responsibility.
* Partners with Executive Directors and all Red Cross lines of service to include Biomedical Services, Service to Armed Forces, International Services, Development, Communications and Preparedness Health and Safety Services to ensure the most collaborative, impactful, and effective delivery of services.

2. Management of Volunteers & Staff: Identifies and develops volunteer leaders who can act in facilitative leader roles across the disaster cycle, coordinating internally and with partners to foster a Red Cross that aligns with government and works to enable the entire community to participate in all phases of the disaster cycle by shifting from being not only a provider of direct services but also a convener and facilitative leader. Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, supports and evaluates performance of direct reports, volunteer leaders and workforce.

3. Local Planning, Training Development, Community Outreach:

* Within scope of position, represents the entire disaster cycle of preparedness, response and recovery. Ensures that American Red Cross services are available to diverse communities.
* Implements the DCS structure and develops the team that mobilizes the local community to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, meeting the needs and expectations of clients and stakeholders. Develops human and material resources (volunteers, partners, community agencies, shelter and vendor agreements etc.) to ensure the full cycle of disaster services is delivered.
* Provide oversight and support to local responses through the deployment of volunteer leaders and volunteers on a daily basis in a rapid and accessible manner. If qualified volunteer leadership is unavailable, serve during times of disaster as the operational leadership.
* In conjunction with program support functions in a region, collaborate in local planning, exercises and training, including exercises called by local partners Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, Emergency Management Agencies and Local Emergency Planning Committees (VOADs, EMAs and LEPCs).


Qualifications:

Education: Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years experience with social services or service/program delivery, and providing leadership to a department, program or service. Demonstrated experience in coordinating staff and volunteer activities. Ability to interpret program trends, results, and related data to formulate recommendations. Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong skills in planning and problem-solving. Ability to relate well and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.

Management Experience: Minimum of 1-3 years staff management experience.

Skills and Abilities: Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to coach and or mentor to accomplish work through team leaders. Develops project plans & budgets. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of program or service. Demonstrated ability in creating presentations and developing training modules. Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals. Demonstrated analytical and decision- making skills to develop creative processes for continuous program or service improvements. Demonstrated analytical and decision-making skills to develop creative processes for continuous program or service improvements. Proven track record of collaboration, facilitation, problem solving, marketing, leadership, and partnership management. Additionally, this position requires ability for planning, public speaking, project management and process improvement. Individual must be customer oriented, organized, and able to operate with an orientation toward solutions with an external focus, and team orientation.

Other: Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Familiarity with federal, state, and local employment laws. Must be able to perform all assigned responsibilities under grey sky requirements. 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.

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.



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.



The American Red Cross is a diverse nonprofit organization offering its employees professional development and growth opportunities, a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit environment. To be considered for this position, please visit www.redcross.org/jobs to apply.

To view the EEOC Summary of Rights, click here: Summary of Rights

American Red Cross

Washington, DC

The mission of the Red Cross is to help prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Across all the ways we provide help and hope to others - from bringing disaster relief, providing lifesaving blood and training in lifesaving skills, to reaching across borders to reconnect families and supporting military families - the American Red Cross makes a big impact.

Explore this collection of stories and experience what the Red Cross brings to everyday people, every day. If what you see inspires you, consider supporting our mission financially, by making a blood donation, becoming a volunteer or registering to take a class.

Vision Statement

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that...

...all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;

...our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;

...everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;

...all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and

...in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

Fundamental Principles of the Global Red Cross Network          

Humanity

The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors—in its international and national capacity—to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality

It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality

In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence

The Red Cross is independent. The national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with Red Cross principles.

Voluntary Service

The Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity

There can be only one Red Cross society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality

The Red Cross is a worldwide institution in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.