Description

MANAGER FOR DISASTER OPERATIONS (Based in Minnesota)

NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster is the only national Jewish organization providing sustained direct response and recovery services to U.S. communities affected by natural disasters. Founded in 1993 and rooted in Jewish values, including tikkun olam (repair of the world), NECHAMA helps communities recover from hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and other disasters through hands-on service, volunteer engagement, and long-term recovery support.

NECHAMA's work advances three core priorities:

Providing comfort, hope, and practical assistance to individuals and communities affected by disaster.
Demonstrating Jewish values through meaningful service to communities of all backgrounds.
Creating opportunities for volunteers of all faiths to engage in service, build relationships, and explore purpose through disaster response and recovery work.
For more information, visit www.nechama.org.

Location: This position is based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, when not deployed. The Disaster Operations Manager must be available to travel throughout the country as disaster response needs arise, potentially spending significant amounts of time away from home.  

Reports to: Director of Disaster Operations  

POSITION SUMMARY
The Manager for Disaster Operations plays a key role in supporting NECHAMA's disaster response and recovery operations. This position is responsible for maintaining deployment readiness, managing operational resources and equipment, supporting disaster deployments, developing community partnerships, and helping ensure the organization can respond effectively when disasters occur.

The Manager for Disaster Operations serves as a member of the Operations Team and works closely with staff, volunteers, contractors, partner organizations, and community stakeholders to support NECHAMA's mission throughout the disaster lifecycle.

Because disaster response is unpredictable, this position requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to travel extensively when deployments occur.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Disaster Response & Recovery Operations
• Deploy to disaster-affected communities to conduct assessments, establish response operations, and support recovery programs.
• Assist in the implementation and management of disaster response and recovery activities.
• Support operational planning before, during, and after deployments.
• Prepare and contribute to deployment plans, situation reports, mid-action reports, and after-action reviews.
• Coordinate logistics, lodging, transportation, equipment, and supplies during deployments.Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, supervision, and evaluation of temporary deployment staff.

• Warehouse, Equipment & Fleet Management
• Oversee daily management and readiness of NECHAMA's Minnesota warehouse.
• Maintain deployment equipment, tools, supplies, and consumable inventory.
• Ensure operational readiness and maintenance of NECHAMA vehicles.
• Coordinate repairs, inspections, maintenance schedules, and replacement planning.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and equipment tracking systems.
• 
  Volunteer & Community Engagement
• Support development of a Minnesota-based volunteer corps.
• Assist with volunteer engagement activities, training opportunities, and deployment readiness efforts.
• Coordinate with the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to support volunteer experiences during deployments.Work collaboratively with the Communications Team to identify stories, photos, and content that highlight NECHAMA's impact.
• 
  Partnerships & External Relations
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with local, state, and national disaster partners.
• Participate in relevant VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) networks and working groups, including as the main NECHAMA liaison to Minnesota VOAD.
• Represent NECHAMA at conferences, meetings, community events, and speaking engagements.
• Support development of new partnerships aligned with organizational priorities.
• 
  Organizational Support
• Contribute to organizational preparedness and continuous improvement efforts.
• Evaluate operational procedures and recommend improvements.
• Assist with contingency planning and readiness initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of organizational goals.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000 annually

Benefits:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Workers' compensation coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Fifteen (15) vacation days annually
• Ten (10) sick days annually
• Most federal and Jewish holidays
• ELIGIBILITY
  Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require current or future sponsorship for employment authorization.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
NECHAMA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

How to apply: Email the following to jobs@nechama.org:  

• cover letter addressing interest and qualifications
• resume
• 3 references
• salary expectations
• where you saw this job posted
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE 
Required Qualifications:

• Commitment to NECHAMA's mission and values.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum three years of disaster response, recovery, construction, emergency management, or related experience.
• Experience operating hand and power tools safely and effectively.
• Experience working independently and managing multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid U.S. driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to pass a motor vehicle records review consistent with organizational insurance requirements.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in emergency management, logistics, nonprofit management, construction management, or a related field.
• Experience with disaster recovery organizations, AmeriCorps, VOADs, or emergency management agencies.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or project teams.
• Experience managing equipment inventories, vehicles, or warehouse operations.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 
• Knowledge of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery practices.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic and rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and community partners.
• Strong judgment, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and common cloud-based applications.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote work environment when not deployed.
• Physical & Travel Requirements 
• Must be able to travel extensively throughout the United States as disaster response needs arise.
• Must be able to spend extended periods away from home during deployments.
• Ability to drive long distances in vans, pickup trucks, trailers, and rental vehicles.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and disaster-affected environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform physical tasks associated with disaster recovery operations.