Individual Assistance Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Individual Assistance programs and support initiatives for disaster survivors.

• Act as a senior advisor to SLTT clients concerning Individual Assistance programs, policies, operational strategies, and recovery needs.

• Lead and oversee IA project teams, which include program managers, supervisors, case management personnel, housing specialists, technical staff, and other project resources.

• Establish project priorities, staffing requirements, performance expectations, operational procedures, and delivery standards.

• Offer leadership and technical guidance related to FEMA Individual Assistance programs and other survivor services, including housing assistance, disaster case management, unmet needs, and community resources.

• Assist clients in developing and implementing scalable recovery programs in response to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, severe storms, and other disaster events.

• Formulate operational strategies, staffing models, workflows, policies, procedures, and performance measures for IA programs.

• Monitor program performance, staffing levels, service delivery, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and compliance with contractual obligations.

• Identify risks, operational challenges, service gaps, and emerging survivor needs, and create mitigation strategies.

• Coordinate with FEMA, state emergency management agencies, local governments, tribal and territorial governments, voluntary organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with senior client leadership and government officials.

• Ensure adherence to program requirements, client policies, privacy standards, and relevant regulations.

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management assistance to managers, supervisors, and project staff.

• Support workforce planning, recruiting, mobilization, training, and staff development initiatives.

• Engage in client meetings, executive briefings, operational planning sessions, and recovery strategy discussions.

• Aid in the development of scopes of work, staffing plans, technical approaches, proposals, and other business development materials.

• Assist organizational leadership in identifying emerging client needs and opportunities for expanding disaster response and recovery services.

• Travel to client and disaster-affected sites as necessary.

• Oversee multidisciplinary teams engaged in disaster response and recovery operations.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in supporting, administering, or leading FEMA Individual Assistance programs.

• At least ten (10) years of management and leadership experience, including direct supervision of staff, supervisors, and project teams.

• Significant experience in managing complex disaster response and recovery programs.

• Proven experience in advising SLTT leadership and collaborating directly with FEMA.

• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex programmatic challenges and lead large-scale disaster operations.

• Experience in engaging with senior government officials, community organizations, and disaster recovery stakeholders.

• Experience in developing operational strategies, staffing models, policies, and recovery program frameworks.

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred.

• Relevant professional experience may be considered as a substitute for educational qualifications.

• Extensive knowledge of FEMA Individual Assistance and disaster survivor support programs.

• Demonstrated expertise in FEMA IA programs and policies, including Individual and Households Program (IHP), Mass Care/Emergency Assistance, housing and sheltering, Disaster Case Management, and survivor services.

• Strong comprehension of disaster response and recovery operations as well as the needs of disaster-affected communities.

• Proven ability to lead complex, large-scale programs and multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong skills in personnel management, mentoring, and leadership.

• Knowledge of program operations, service delivery, quality assurance, and performance monitoring.

• Ability to devise practical solutions and operational strategies in rapidly changing disaster environments.

• Excellent executive-level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Capacity to build and maintain relationships with government officials, clients, FEMA representatives, and community stakeholders.

• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Capability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven atmosphere.

• Exceptional written communication and documentation skills.

• Ability to effectively lead teams through rapid mobilization and changing operational requirements.

• Willingness to travel approximately 25% to 50% based on project demands.

• Ability to adapt to shifting project priorities and the requirements of disaster response and recovery.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred.

• Additional certifications in emergency management, human services, project management, disaster recovery, or related fields are an asset.

• A valid driver's license may be required based on travel needs.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401k Retirement Plan.

• Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverage.

• Opportunities for professional and personal development.

• Generous paid time off.

• Commuter and wellness benefits.