FEMA Recovery Coordinator

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is seeking a FEMA Recovery Coordinator for a two-year position. This role will serve as a project manager for the agency’s complex FEMA projects resulting from Hurricane Sandy. The coordinator will oversee compliance, audit preparation, and grants management for projects receiving grant funding through FEMA. This position involves challenging and complex project management work related to FEMA-recovery projects with significant financial and procedural implications. Specific projects will include all aspects of the restoration and mitigation of damages at City-owned sites, such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) and the New York Aquarium (managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society - WCS), which were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Advanced familiarity with FEMA requirements and project management is necessary, with Hurricane Sandy-related, NYC-specific experience being preferred.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; OR
High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; OR
Education and/or experience which is equivalent to the above.
At least one year of experience as described in the first qualification option.
Advanced familiarity with FEMA requirements and project management.

Nice To Haves

Hurricane Sandy-related, NYC-specific experience.
Previous experience working directly with the City of New York on Hurricane Sandy-related FEMA projects.
Working knowledge of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Program.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Oversee compliance, audit preparation, and grants management for FEMA-funded projects.
Manage all aspects of restoration and mitigation of damages at City-owned sites.
Work directly with EDC on project management.
Collaborate with other City entities, WCS, and BBG to keep projects on track.
Develop and update tracking systems or timelines for project management.
Manage recordkeeping to ensure compliance with Federal and OMB requirements, including updating the Document Management and Records Tracking System (DMARTS).
Review and revise FEMA recovery documents, including those prepared by WCS or its counsel.
Organize cross-agency review of procedural documents, memoranda, and other project materials.
Monitor the process of scope development, including change order review, cost reasonableness, and eligibility of proposed scope.
Define damage scope and mitigation scope with other City entities, WCS, and/or FEMA and State teams.
Review cost estimates.
Prepare reports and summaries.
Review requests for financial disbursement for project work and reimbursement requests made to FEMA.
Determine which questions require further analysis or review and confer with subject matter specialists, technical experts, and agency attorneys.
Review FEMA guidance related to FEMA-specific issues.
Obtain information regarding developments in FEMA funding that might impact DCLA projects.
Explore grant opportunities related to disaster recovery and preparedness.
Coordinate with other City entities, such as OMB and EDC, to address specific project issues and processes, such as procurement and change orders.
Act as liaison with senior management within the agency and with other operating units, such as Legal and Capital Projects.