Description

NECHAMA: Senior Team Leader, Disaster Response 

Reports to: NECHAMA Operations Director

NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster is a national organization that responds to damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters. Rooted and guided by Jewish values, including tikkun olam, or repair of the world, NECHAMA advance  three priorities: humanizing Jews and representing Jewish ideals in communities recovering from disaster; providing meaningful opportunities for volunteers to explore identity and purpose; and spreading hope by offering tangible support to people and communities in need. For more information about NECHAMA, please visit www.nechama.org.

When NECHAMA is deployed, the Senior Team Leader will join the deployment and lead volunteers at worksites, orienting them to NECHAMA and the available work, and applying safe work techniques at all times. Additional responsibilities may include establishing a new base, coordinating volunteer schedules, partnering with local Long-Term Recovery Groups, and identifying appropriate worksites. NECHAMA deployments may last from two weeks to two years and require a willingness for extensive residencies in the communities to which we deploy (room and board are provided for deployments). 

What This Role Is Like

This role involves extended time in disaster-affected communities. Deployments may require living in shared volunteer housing, working outdoors in physically demanding conditions, and adapting to rapidly changing environments. The Senior Team Leader should be comfortable with long days, close teamwork with volunteers, and representing NECHAMA in communities experiencing significant hardship.

Disaster response environments can change quickly. The Senior Team Leader should be comfortable solving problems in real time, making decisions with incomplete information, and adapting plans as conditions evolve.

When NECHAMA is not deployed, the Senior Team Leader will build disaster response partnerships and represent the organization throughout the country. This may involve professional networking, public speaking, and volunteer engagement and resource sharing with other organizations as well as helping to set up one or more mitigation/preparation programs for NECHAMA in prioritized communities.  

Overview of Job:  This position will require rapid deployment to NECHAMA disaster sites. The Senior Team Leader will also build and maintain relationships with  local emergency management, disaster responders, and the local VOAD in their home region while helping expand NECHAMA’s national network  through conferences, meetings and virtual collaboration across  multiple states.  This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys working with volunteers, and wants to make a tangible difference in communities recovering from disaster.

Responsibilities: 

• During Deployments
  • Leading volunteers at worksites;
  • Maintaining safe and efficient work environments
  • Coordinating volunteer housing, meals, and engagement
  • Maintaining volunteer logs and close-out documentation
  • Identifying new worksites and support deployment planning
  • Developing relationships with local partners and recovery groups
• Between Deployments
  • Building relationships with emergency management and disaster response partners
  • Representing NECHAMA at conferences, meetings, and public events
  • Supporting mitigation and preparedness projects in prioritized communities
  • Assisting with volunteer pipeline coordination
• Work with the Operations team to develop and refine volunteer orientation materials, operating procedures, and best practices in the disaster response.
• Help recruit other Team Leads if needed.
• In coordination with the Operations Director, lead volunteer mitigation and disaster preparation teams and projects in
• prioritized communities including by identifying partners, projects and worksites and helping to recruit volunteers.  
• Coordinate with NECHAMA Volunteer Coordinator on the volunteer pipeline.
• Provide proper documentation of worksites, including initial assessments, progress updates, and close out paperwork.
• Assist NECHAMA communications team in identifying stories and social media content during all deployments and service days, taking photos and highlighting particular volunteers.
• Coordinate volunteer and staff training including but not limited to chainsaw, first aid, and OSHA safety training workshops for NECHAMA.  
• Work with the Operations team to help build and refine protocols regarding volunteer management and deployment.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years experience in disaster response, volunteer leadership, AmeriCorps/FEMA Corps service, NGO case management, or logistics.  
• Experience with outdoor and indoor hand and power tools, including chainsaws (use and proper safety precautions).
• Strong communications skills.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized with ability to see the big picture.
• Ability to work independently without onsite supervision.
• Ability to work with diverse volunteers who have varied levels of capacity and supervision needs.  
• Integrity, credibility, an excellent sense of humor, and a commitment to and passion for NECHAMA’s mission.  
• Clean and valid US driver’s license; ability to pass a MVR check by the organization's insurance provider; and able to drive vehicles for long distances.
• Ability to work from home office when not deployed.

Eligible candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States, will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States, and are willing to provide employment verification as required. Unless otherwise prohibited by federal, state, or local law, the successful candidate must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or willing to get the vaccination.  

NECHAMA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, sex, age, gender identity or expression, or other status protected by applicable law.  NECHAMA is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualification? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, while women and others who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. Whether you are new to this field, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

Salary: $40,000  

Benefits:

Health insurance
Workers compensation, disability, life, and dental insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Access to a 401(k)
15 vacation days and 10 sick days annually
Most federal and Jewish holidays

How to apply:

Email the following to jobs@nechama.org 

cover letter addressing interest and qualifications
resume
3 references 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years experience in disaster response, volunteer leadership, AmeriCorps/FEMA Corps service, NGO case management, or logistics.  
• Experience with outdoor and indoor hand and power tools, including chainsaws (use and proper safety precautions).
• Strong communications skills.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized with ability to see the big picture.
• Ability to work independently without onsite supervision.
• Ability to work with diverse volunteers who have varied levels of capacity and supervision needs.  
• Integrity, credibility, an excellent sense of humor, and a commitment to and passion for NECHAMA’s mission.  
• Clean and valid US driver’s license; ability to pass a MVR check by the organization's insurance provider; and able to drive vehicles for long distances.]
• Ability to work from home office when not deployed.