Director, Volunteer Programs

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) helps New Yorkers before, during, and after emergencies through preparedness, education, and response. NYCEM is responsible for coordinating citywide emergency planning and response for all types and scales of emergencies. The Community Engagement division helps communities become more resilient by providing guidance for community emergency planning for the most common hazards in New York City and connecting established community organizations and networks to the Emergency Operations Center. Through outreach and training, the Community Engagement division brings together leaders from volunteer programs, community and nonprofit organizations, and government to promote preparedness at the local level. New York City Emergency Management's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program oversees groups of community-based volunteers trained in disaster preparedness and emergency response. CERT members undergo a 30-hour basic training course in fire safety, medical operations, light search and rescue, police science, and the specifics of operating in an urban environment. CERT members are organized geographically by borough and sponsored, managed, and trained by NYC Emergency Management in partnership with FDNY and NYPD. NYC Emergency Management is seeking a dynamic leader to oversee the citywide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. The Director will guide strategy, build volunteer leadership, and strengthen community resilience through effective engagement and coordination. This role requires exceptional communication, mediation, and program management skills. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, a deep understanding of New York City, and a strong commitment to emergency preparedness. This is a unique opportunity to shape one of the nation's largest volunteer emergency response programs. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Program Management
• Volunteer Management
• Administration
• Technology Management

The selected candidate will be expected to regularly work non-traditional hours to meet program needs including attending evening and weekend events (both online and in person) such as training classes, drills and local meetings.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer support to be eligible for selection. The selected candidate will be required to be in person in the office location three days per week, with exceptions for extenuating circumstances. In order to be considered for this job, please submit a separate cover letter in the attachments section of the application portal. Preferred skills include:

• Experience leading complex volunteer programs.
• Proficiency with volunteer management software and tracking and reporting data.
• Experience mediating between and supporting community-based groups.
• Ability to conduct meetings, training classes, and experience with public speaking.
• Proficiency in a second language that is commonly spoken in NYC.
• Familiarity with human service or mental health related disaster issues.

Studies have shown that women, people of color, and other under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic.