Division Director - Disaster Response

Job Description

Job Description

SummaryCatholic Charities of Acadiana is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and mission-driven Division Director of Disaster Response to lead our disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery efforts throughout the Diocese of Lafayette and beyond. This leadership role is responsible for coordinating every phase of disaster operations-from preparing before storms strike to helping families rebuild long after the immediate crisis has passed. The Division Director provides strategic leadership while remaining actively engaged in field operations, overseeing recovery projects, supervising staff, managing volunteers, and building strong partnerships with government agencies, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations. This position requires a calm, decisive leader who can navigate rapidly changing situations, support individuals and families experiencing crisis, and inspire others through service. If you are passionate about disaster recovery, thrive in fast-paced environments, and want to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve, we encourage you to apply.Key ResponsibilitiesLead all phases of disaster response, including preparedness, emergency response, damage assessment, relief operations, and long-term recovery effortsMaintain disaster readiness by overseeing equipment, trailers, vehicles, tools, and emergency response resourcesCoordinate with Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) before, during, and after disaster eventsDeploy to disaster-affected areas within and beyond the Diocese of Lafayette as needed to coordinate response and recovery activitiesSupervise Disaster Response staff, including the Disaster Response Coordinator and Disaster Case Manager, providing leadership, coaching, and performance managementOversee client intake, home assessments, case prioritization, and referrals while ensuring timely, compassionate service deliveryCoordinate case conferencing with municipal agencies, nonprofit partners, and community organizations to address complex client needsEnsure accurate documentation and reporting within Airtable, Salesforce, and other required data management systemsOversee volunteer construction projects and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with quality standardsManage home repair and reconstruction projects, providing hands-on construction support when necessaryBuild and maintain collaborative relationships with FEMA, GOHSEP/OHSEP, Catholic Charities USA, VOAD partners, local governments, churches, contractors, and community organizationsRepresent Catholic Charities of Acadiana at disaster response meetings, recovery coalitions, and community planning effortsPrepare reports, monitor project progress, and communicate updates through established organizational channelsUtilize Microsoft Teams, project management systems, and organizational software to coordinate operations and monitor recovery activitiesMaintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment while ensuring compliance with organizational safety standardsPerform other duties as assignedJob QualificationsBachelor 's degree in Emergency Management, Construction Management, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field, and/or trade school or technical training with at least two years of professional experienceExperience leading disaster response, emergency management, construction, recovery, or related operations preferredExperience responding to at least two major natural disasters preferredConstruction knowledge with the ability to oversee residential repair and rebuilding projects preferredStrong leadership, organizational, project management, and decision-making skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage survivors, volunteers, church leadership, government agencies, contractors, donors, and community partnersAbility to remain calm, organized, and adaptable while working in rapidly changing, high-pressure environmentsProficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Airtable, Salesforce, and project management softwareCompassionate, client-centered approach with the ability to support individuals and families experiencing crisisForklift certification or willingness to obtain certificationAbility to travel throughout the service area and respond to disasters outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended deployments as neededJob SpecificationsHeavy: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.Job Type: Full- timeBenefits:Dental insuranceFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceLife insuranceRetirement planVision insurance