Director of Disaster Recovery Program - Job Description SUMMARY: Oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the Disaster Recovery Program for NECHAMA (A.K.A.: JDRC a Program of NECHAMA) This position ensures operational quality and consistency and supervises all program related full/part/temporary staff members. Responsible for developing and implementing strategies to achieve the program s philanthropic, volunteer and operational goals. This position requires an entrepreneurial spirit willing to build relationships and develop new and creative strategies for engagement. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The Program Director is responsible for all planning, implementation, management and follow-up related to the Disaster Recovery Program. Responsibilities include: Program Management Set program timelines including: o Key planning, logistical benchmarks and deliverables o Staff on/off boarding o Securing of field lodging, worksites, partnerships and local collaborations o Communications with participants. Ex: alternative break groups and Hillels o Program reporting Set expectations and supervise staff in maintaining program timeline and plan, assist with reaching goals and desired outcomes Oversee Program trip logistics, communications, and marketing Stay abreast of recent disasters and long-term recovery needs that may arise o As applicable, communicate with NECHAMA Disaster Response Program staff to receive introductions to the affected community and conduct initial outreach for home repair and rebuild needs o Plan and conduct program in person field site visits to meet with local community leaders and for program support & partnership o Evaluate feasibility and need for recovery programming Support Program Staff in the design, creation, and facilitation of disaster-specific service-learning curriculum in collaboration with local Recovery Groups, faithbased organizations, and community members (i.e. speakers panels, surveys of disaster affected areas, interfaith dinners etc.) Travel to field sites and be present for: initial launch of each program activities to ensure smooth transition and set tone and expectations, ramp down of each program activities and or the end of a trip cycle to ensure smooth transition and exit objectives and deliverables are met o A minimum 3-week stay per trip cycle can be expected o Other program support travel as needed o Conduct service-learning sessions, lead field teams, drive vehicles, and other direct field support as needed Train key NECHAMA staff and volunteers in service learning curriculum and Disaster Recovery Program operations Draft trip cycle budgets and overall program budgets with the Executive Director NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster page 1
Relationships Maintain relationships with and outreach to Jewish umbrella organizations and foundations that have supported JDRC and/or disaster recovery previously o Specifically including but not limited to: Hillels, Jewish Community Centers, Jewish affiliated fraternities/sororities Build and maintain relationships with disaster missioned groups and faith-based organizations in conjunction with other NECHAMA staff Willing to build relationships and develop new and creative strategies for funder and volunteer engagement Build relationships between NECHAMA and the local Jewish leaders and organizations in the area of field sites. Conduct outreach to synagogues, community organizations, schools, etc. Program Reporting and Tracking Ensure Program Staff is trained in data tracking systems and appropriate data is being captured in the field Provide timely and accurate program reports for: o Key stakeholders including current and prospective donors and grant makers o The Board of Directors, Executive Director and staff meetings Oversee program budget including expenses and projections Ensure that program is within budget and expenses adheres to NECHAMA Expense Policies Program Fundraising Annual Event Management and Stewardship o Support the planning and execution of the annual Disaster Recovery Program fundraising event known as Rockers in Relief. The 4-year old event raises approx. $90,000 annually o Responsible for increasing attendance and sponsorships to increase event revenue to $100,000+ annually o Serves as the main point of contact from the NECHAMA staff to the event hosts and organizers o Responsible for project managing the promotional communications plan, budget, volunteers and other aspects as assigned by the organizers o Provide regular updates to the Executive Director RE: the event planning o Additional Fundraising Responsible for meeting other fundraising and service trip participation goals as assigned. Coordinate any activities with the Executive Director. Then work independently to execute coordinated plans regarding donor outreach and stewardship o Develop and maintain relationships with existing donors and cultivate relationships with potential new donors and funding sources, both Jewish and non-jewish Grant Writing: In collaboration with the Executive Director, write grants and funding proposals o Grants Managements! Track and report on active program grants! Keep calendar of deadlines for reporting, applications, notices, grantor meetings, RFPs etc. Sponsorships NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster page 2
o o Identify and research prospective sponsorships for each program location Solicit and secure sponsorships in-kind goods or services at a fully or partially discounted rate. Including but not limited to:! Shabbat dinners and other meals, lodging for staff and groups of volunteers, transportation, professional services PR, & Communications Media Outreach for all NECHAMA Programs The lead staff member responsible for media outreach following new disaster events and/or Disaster Recovery Program trip cycles Works with NECHAMA staffers and Executive Director to ensure appropriate messaging for media regarding each deployment or trip cycle. Acts as a liaison to and notifies the appropriate media outlets when NECHAMA Programs are deployed to or plan to be active. o Primary focus on generating coverage from local and regional media outlets in the vicinity of NECHAMA field activity! Also responsible for updating: National Jewish Media and Twin Cities Media Plan and draft content for Recovery Program: o Press releases or other media related inquiries o Updates via the website and social media o External annual and/or mid-year reports o Alumni updates and engagement OTHER NECHAMA PROGRAM SUPPORT: SUMMARY: The Director of the JDRC/Recovery Program is a team player. Will support Preparedness or Response program needs. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Volunteer Engagement Recruit and cultivate volunteers for leadership and skilled positions at NECHAMA Assist volunteers with local community-building and awareness raising efforts including special events Travel and represent NECHAMA at events, meetings, and conferences. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Supervisory: Directly supervises multiple staff and volunteers; carries out responsibilities in accordance with organizational policy and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training staff and volunteers; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining staff and volunteers; addressing complaints; and resolving problems. Manages multiple concurrent trip cycles or program activities as needed; Conducts weekly Recovery Program team meetings and regular check-ins; Participates in weekly NECHAMA team meetings; Plans, assigns and evaluates work of program employees and volunteers; NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster page 3
Interviews, selects and trains full time, part time and/or temporary staff for the program and ensures that all staff and volunteers comply with NECHAMA policies, practices, and procedures; Represents NECHAMA and/or assigns appropriate volunteers to do so at public speaking opportunities, information sessions, conference/exhibit booths and/or recruitment events as needed; Speaks to interested groups when the Executive Director is unavailable; Maintains close communication with NECHAMA leadership; Travels throughout the planned program region at regular intervals to keep abreast of local concerns and to steward relationships; Participates in other NECHAMA program meetings and support remotely, as needed; Travels nationally as needed to represent NECHAMA at conferences, meetings and/or to cultivate funding or volunteer recruitment relationships; Travels nationally on occasion to meet with other NECHAMA staff and volunteers; Schedules meetings with donors, grant makers and other supporting or prospect institutions in consultation with the Executive Director. Responds to constituent telephone calls, email, mail, other inquiries; Meets volunteer recruitment requirements as established by the Executive Director and/or direct Supervisor; Maintains a good working relationship with the Executive Director, staff, and constituents; Works well under pressure and handles stress; Accepts performance-based criticism and direction; Works a flexible schedule including long hours, nights and weekends; and Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: A minimum of a bachelor s degree, including strong academic credentials. Alternatively, two years of related experience in a supervisory or management position or training in volunteer management, direct service learning, and/or disaster sector equivalent. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED: Excellent oral and written communication skills; Detail oriented and well-organized; Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; Thorough knowledge of Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery processes and procedures; Ability to perform essential job functions above; Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with others; Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner; Thorough knowledge of local, state and federal disaster related agencies and departments; An understanding of the regional and national nonprofit scene, in particular Jewish institutions.; Provides necessary organization, supervisory leadership and motivation to manage regional office and operations; Knowledge of the office policies, practices, and procedures; Knowledge of office computer applications; and Proficiency in word processing. NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster page 4
PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: Prior experience and knowledge of NECHAMA and it s mission Thorough understanding of Jewish values and principles Knowledge and experience with Trello as an organizational tool Experience working as part of a remote team Construction experience and skills WORKING CONDITIONS: When not deployed, work is mainly performed in a remote office environment with occasional required in-person staff meeting or routine travel Employees must have consistent access to a personal computer and the internet On occasion staff members are asked to assist with the driving and logistics of transporting vehicles to and from deployment locations and the NECHAMA HQ in Minnesota. When deployed, work locations will include post disaster environments that pose a number of unique threats and challenges This position is expected to travel at least 60% of the time BENEFITS: Salary commensurate with experience Vacation accrued at a rate of 15 days/year after first 6 months of employment Paid holidays Reimbursement towards health care premiums Reimbursement toward phone To apply, please send resume and cover letter to bdriscoll@nechama.org with the subject line Director of Disaster Recovery Application by 2/16/16. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered. NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster page 5