Division Director – Disaster Response

Catholic Charities of Acadiana•Scott, LA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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

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