Program Manager, Wildfire Preparedness (Los Angeles County)

DescriptionThe Program Manager, Wildfire Preparedness will lead the regional implementation of CORE’s wildfire resilience and preparedness initiative in LA County, ensuring high-quality program delivery, grant compliance, and community impact. This role provides strategic oversight of a grant-funded wildfire preparedness program, including defensible space education, wildfire preparedness, vegetation management outreach, and community engagement activities.The Program Manager oversees regional program operations, supervises field staff, strengthens partnerships with community-based organizations, local agencies, fire service partners and government stakeholders, and serves as the primary day-to-day contact for regional program implementation.The Program Manager closely monitors program performance, budgets, grant deliverables, and reporting requirements while advancing CORE’s mission to strengthen wildfire resilience and equitable disaster preparedness across vulnerable and high-risk communities.This position may also be designated as a resource for national deployment to aid in various disaster scenarios as part of CORE's Emergency Response Team.RequirementsMain ResponsibilitiesLead implementation of CORE’s wildfire resilience and preparedness programs across LA County, ensuring program goals, grant deliverables, and regional priorities are achieved.Guide the vision, development, and delivery of wildfire preparedness education and outreach programs, specifically aimed at the region's most vulnerable and rural populations.Monitor program operations, grant compliance, budgets, contracts, performance metrics, and reporting requirements.Lead regional outreach strategies, educational campaigns, presentations, and public engagement efforts focused on wildfire resilience.Oversee operational logistics including equipment, PPE, educational materials, and field resources.Maintain expertise in wildfire risk reduction strategies, fire weather, emergency alert systems, evacuation planning, and community preparedness resources while supporting public education.Lead, supervise, mentor and evaluate Program Coordinators, fellows, volunteers, and other assigned staff while fostering a collaborative and high performing regional team.Collect, analyze, and report program data to support grant reporting, continuous improvement, and strategic decision making.Represent CORE at regional meetings, coalitions, trainings, and public events related to wildfire resilience and emergency preparedness.Identify opportunities for program growth, partnership development, and future grant funding within the region.Other duties as assigned.Scope & TravelSupervise Program Coordinators and other assigned regional staff.Supervise California Emergency Response Corps Fellows and volunteers as assigned.Significant travel within Los Angeles County, including local field visits, partner meetings, trainings, conferences, and community events.Occasional travel throughout California to support regional collaboration, organizational meetings, and emergency deployments.Weekend availability for community engagement events.QualificationsBachelor's degree in emergency management, environmental science, forestry, natural resources, public administration, or a related field, (graduate-level studies preferred; equivalent professional experience considered).Relevant certifications such as Wildland Firefighter/Field Crew, Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, NFPA or Project Management Professional (PMP) are preferred.A driver’s license and access to reliable transportation capable of driving long distances in both rural and urban settings.Spanish bilingual proficiency preferred.Experience: Minimum three years of progressively responsible experience managing grant-funded wildfire resilience, climate resilience, emergency preparedness or community based environmental programs. Demonstrated experience leading complex regional programs, supervising staff and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Experience managing grant budgets, contracts, compliance requirements, and performance reporting.Demonstrable ability to assess wildfire risk areas, and develop targeted community resilience strategies Experience overseeing operational logistics, field resources, and equipment.Experience working with community-based organizations, local governments, fire agencies, and regional coalitions.Skills & CompetenciesDeep understanding of wildfire home assessment and defensible space best practices.Strong data management, analysis, and grant reporting skills.Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences.Deep understanding of wildfire risk reduction, home assessment, defensible space practices, fire behavior, emergency management systems, and California wildfire policy.Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, GIS (preferred), and other program management and reporting tools.Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.Ability to independently manage multiple priorities, regional partnerships, competing deadlines, and evolving grant requirements.Flexible and adaptable in dynamic field and emergency response environments. Employee Type: FT Regular Exempt