Division Director – Disaster Response

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of disaster response, including preparedness, emergency response, damage assessment, relief operations, and long-term recovery efforts
• Maintain disaster readiness by overseeing equipment, trailers, vehicles, tools, and emergency response resources
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• Coordinate with Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) before, during, and after disaster events
• Deploy to disaster-affected areas within and beyond the Diocese of Lafayette as needed to coordinate response and recovery activities
• Supervise Disaster Response staff, including the Disaster Response Coordinator and Disaster Case Manager, providing leadership, coaching, and performance management
• Oversee client intake, home assessments, case prioritization, and referrals while ensuring timely, compassionate service delivery
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• Coordinate case conferencing with municipal agencies, nonprofit partners, and community organizations to address complex client needs
• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting within Airtable, Salesforce, and other required data management systems
• Oversee volunteer construction projects and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with quality standards
• Manage home repair and reconstruction projects, providing hands-on construction support when necessary
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with FEMA, GOHSEP/OHSEP, Catholic Charities USA, VOAD partners, local governments, churches, contractors, and community organizations
• Represent Catholic Charities of Acadiana at disaster response meetings, recovery coalitions, and community planning efforts
• Prepare reports, monitor project progress, and communicate updates through established organizational channels
• Utilize Microsoft Teams, project management systems, and organizational software to coordinate operations and monitor recovery activities
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment while ensuring compliance with organizational safety standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor'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 experience
• Experience leading disaster response, emergency management, construction, recovery, or related operations preferred
• Experience responding to at least two major natural disasters preferred
• Construction knowledge with the ability to oversee residential repair and rebuilding projects preferred
• Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage survivors, volunteers, church leadership, government agencies, contractors, donors, and community partners
• The ability to remain calm, organized, and adaptable while working in rapidly changing, high-pressure environments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Airtable, Salesforce, and project management software
• Compassionate, client-centered approach with the ability to support individuals and families experiencing crisis
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification
• The ability to travel throughout the service area and respond to disasters outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended deployments as needed

Job Specifications

• Heavy: 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.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retailer plan
• Vision insurance