Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) Program Manager

JOB SUMMARYThe program manager oversees the successful implementation of the Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) program. Key responsibilities entail enhancing community resilience by fostering connections between local, regional, and statewide stakeholders throughout all phases of disaster management. This role convenes and supports community partners that include but are not limited to governmental municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations, faith-based sectors, and philanthropic entities. The manager’s role is instrumental to ensure seamless collaboration before, during and after emergencies, directly impacting the wellbeing of the Lowcountry region of the state. This individual will support recovery processes while establishing a robust system for future emergency responses.ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

• Establishes a disaster response network across the Lowcountry to readily determine community needs and learn about major response and recovery plans.
• Convenes and facilitates disaster preparedness meetings with community stakeholders to support mitigation planning to lessen the effects of a disaster.
• Manages disaster preparedness and recovery related projects for the VOAD to include analyzing and defining the project, establishing objectives, evaluating alternatives, estimating the necessary time and resources, determining the appropriate strategy, and preparing a timeline for project completion.
• Writes reports, scopes of work, detailed correspondence, and other documentation related to program parameters and proposals.
• Knows and articulates regional and location emergency management plans and key player for execution.
• Attends local and regional emergency management meetings, as needed, to support planning and operations.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruits, manages and evaluates volunteers.
• Develops and maintains a volunteer database of records and activities.
• Plans and facilitates volunteer training and events.
• Provides administrative support for volunteers of disaster response efforts.
• Attends local and regional emergency management meetings, as needed, to support planning and operations.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Expertise in community engagement strategies and best practices.
• ​Able to work independently and to develop and execute new programs.
• Familiar with the landscape of community-based organizations across the Lowcountry of South Carolina
• Passion for social justice and helping others during critical incidents
• Able to be flexible in a fast-moving and high-stakes environment
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONSSkills & Experience

• Proven experience managing and supporting 50+ volunteers or similar roles.
• 2+ years of experience in program management, preferably in nonprofit or community-based settings, with experience in project implementation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant program management software.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interactions with community partners, volunteers, and team members.
• Experience in emergency preparedness, response, and/or recovery efforts (preferred).
• Experience in community organizing (preferred).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build lasting relationships.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF JOB

• Travel: This role will require travel to various partner sites and community events. Some local and regional travel by car and out-of-town travel will be necessary.
• Mobility: Occasional movement within the office and during site visits may involve standing for extended periods, walking, bending, and carrying supplies (typically up to 20 lbs).
• Public Interaction: Frequent interaction with community partners, sometimes in busy environments.
• Time Expectations: Involves working extended and unusual hours, including weekends, holidays, and/or off-hour shifts during emergencies or disaster situations, and during training programs, preparedness exercises, and outreach events.

WORK PLACE EXPECATIONS

• Professionalism: Maintain high professionalism in interactions with staff, community partners, and clients.
• Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with different departments, partners, and stakeholders, requiring clear communication and teamwork.
• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality and adhere to organizational policies, especially when handling sensitive or private information.
• Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility to adapt to program adjustments, unforeseen challenges, and urgent needs as applicable.
• Continuous Learning: Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities, staying updated on best practices related to program management in VOAD locally, statewide and nationally.

Please Note: Requirements, skills, and abilities described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.