Division Director – Disaster Response

Summary

Catholic 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 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
• 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
• 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

• Bachelors 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
• 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
• 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. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
• Job Type: Full-time
• Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Required Experience:

Director