CED Disaster Resiliency

Position Summary

The Disaster Resiliency Coordinator provides professional planning, coordination, technical assistance, and project development support to communities throughout the GRADD region in the areas of disaster resiliency, hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. This position assists local governments and eligible organizations with identifying community needs, developing projects, securing funding, implementing funded projects, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state requirements. The position works closely with local government officials, emergency response agencies, state and federal agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen individual and community resiliency throughout all phases of the disaster cycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community and Project Development

• Assist with community development and enhancement initiatives that strengthen regional economic and disaster resiliency.
• Identify community development and resiliency needs and develop project concepts designed to maximize community benefits while considering available resources and costs.
• Coordinate mitigation projects with the strategic priorities of individual counties and communities.
• Assist with the development of projects that may include school and community safe rooms, warning systems, critical communication infrastructure, emergency response equipment, fire department improvements, training facilities, and other public safety initiatives.
• Develop and coordinate project teams consisting of local government officials, emergency response agencies, community organizations, and other appropriate stakeholders.
• Facilitate appropriate public engagement related to proposed projects and community resiliency initiatives.
• Develop project budgets, cost estimates, and funding packages.
• Identify and evaluate potential federal, state, and other funding opportunities appropriate for local projects.
• Coordinate with potential funding agencies to establish project eligibility, discuss proposed projects, and develop a foundation for successful funding applications.

Grant Application Development and Administration

• Assist local officials and eligible applicants with the development and submission of applications to FEMA, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, Kentucky Emergency Management, Department for Local Government, and other applicable funding agencies.
• Provide technical assistance throughout the application process and assist applicants in meeting funding requirements and deadlines.
• Coordinate with funding agencies to address questions, obtain required information, and work toward project and application approval.
• Implement and administer funded projects in accordance with approved project requirements.
• Monitor active projects and provide technical assistance to grant recipients to ensure contracted objectives are achieved.
• Monitor the appropriate utilization and expenditure of grant funds.
• Assist grant recipients with required progress reports, documentation, project completion requirements, and final closeout reports.
• Monitor compliance with applicable environmental regulations, labor requirements, federal and state laws, administrative regulations, and funding requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of applications and projects and report the number of completed, submitted, and successful loan and grant applications prepared or supported on behalf of local governments and eligible applicants.

Public Relations and Community Engagement

• Maintain regular communication with local government officials, administrative agencies, emergency response organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct or assist with public meetings required for grant applications, community education, project development, and other resiliency initiatives.
• Provide public education and information regarding disaster resiliency, emergency preparedness, hazard mitigation, and related community issues.
• Provide clear and professional information regarding public policy and resiliency initiatives, including matters that may involve differing or controversial perspectives.
• Attend and present information at Fiscal Court meetings, City Council meetings, statewide planning meetings, community meetings, and other meetings as requested.
• Represent GRADD professionally and positively in meetings, conferences, workshops, and other public and professional settings.

Emergency Management and Technical Assistance

• Provide information and technical assistance to existing emergency response teams and local emergency management partners.
• Serve as a liaison with the Division of Emergency Management and provide documented technical and administrative support to appropriate Area Managers.
• Assist communities and local governments in identifying opportunities to strengthen emergency preparedness, response capabilities, and disaster recovery capacity.
• Research potential disaster events and hazards to identify areas of concern and opportunities to build capacity within local emergency response agencies.
• Assist with the collection, organization, analysis, and presentation of information related to regional hazards, disaster resiliency, emergency management, and community preparedness.

Resiliency Planning

• Assist with the development, maintenance, and implementation of GRADD’s Regional Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Assist cities, counties, communities, and other eligible entities with the development of Continuity of Operations Plans and other resiliency related plans.
• Support regional planning efforts designed to identify hazards, vulnerabilities, mitigation opportunities, and community resiliency priorities.
• Coordinate planning activities with local governments, emergency management agencies, state agencies, and other appropriate partners.

Training and Professional Development

• Develop and facilitate continuing education and training programs related to emergency management, disaster resiliency, hazard mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Develop customized training materials, tools, presentations, and statistical information for elected officials, local government staff, emergency response personnel, and other appropriate audiences.
• Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities to remain current on hazard mitigation, emergency management, disaster resiliency, funding opportunities, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain professional knowledge of federal and state programs and requirements affecting the position’s area of responsibility.

Qualifications and Skills

Education and Experience-A Master’s Degree from an accredited university in Planning, Public Administration, Government, or a related field with at least one year of related professional experience. A bachelor’s degree in Resilience, Disaster Response, Disaster Mitigation, Disaster Recovery, Geography, Public Administration, Planning, or a related field combined with three years of related professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree requirement.

Grant Development and Administration-Demonstrated grant writing skills and the ability to develop, coordinate, administer, and monitor grant funded projects.

Knowledge of federal and state funding programs and administrative requirements applicable to disaster resiliency, emergency management, hazard mitigation, and community development is strongly preferred.

Technical Skills-Proven computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Working knowledge of ESRI GIS and the ability to use geographic and secondary data sources to support planning, research, project development, and community analysis.

Planning and Research-Knowledge of the principles and practices of regional planning, community development, research methods, statistics, and applied data analysis. Ability to collect, evaluate, organize, analyze, and communicate information in support of community and regional planning initiatives.

Emergency Management Knowledge-Familiarity with FEMA and Department for Local Government programs. Familiarity with FEMA Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, Hazard Mitigation Assistance, and Assistance to Firefighters Grant processes. Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and administrative requirements applicable to disaster resiliency, emergency management, grants, and community development.

Professional and Interpersonal Skills

The successful candidate must:

• Be a motivated self-starter with the ability to organize, plan, prioritize, and independently manage multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Exercise sound judgment and make timely, accurate, and appropriate decisions.
• Perform effectively under stressful or changing conditions.
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
• Prepare concise, accurate, and professional reports and other written materials.
• Demonstrate effective public speaking and presentation skills.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with GRADD staff, Board members, local elected officials, city and county government officials, state and federal officials, community partners, and the general public.
• Represent GRADD as a professional and positive ambassador at meetings, conferences, public events, and other functions.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, dependability, integrity, and respect in all professional interactions.

Core Competencies

• The successful candidate will demonstrate the following core competencies:
  • Community Focus: Understands the needs of local communities and works to develop practical solutions that strengthen regional resiliency.
  • Project Management: Effectively organizes, coordinates, monitors, and completes multiple projects and responsibilities.
  • Grant Development: Identifies funding opportunities and develops competitive and compliant grant applications and funding strategies.
  • Analytical Thinking: Uses research, data, and sound analysis to identify needs, evaluate opportunities, and support informed decision making.
  • Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with elected officials, government staff, funding agencies, community partners, and the public.
  • Relationship Building: Develops and maintains productive relationships with local, state, and federal partners.
  • Problem Solving: Approaches challenges with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset.
  • Adaptability: Remains effective when priorities, circumstances, or community needs change.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities, meets deadlines, maintains accurate records, and follows projects through completion.
  • Professional Judgment: Exercises discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism when working with sensitive community, governmental, and funding matters.

Performance Expectations

The Disaster Resiliency Coordinator is expected to provide responsive, professional, and dependable service to the communities and partners served by GRADD. The position requires an individual who can take initiative, recognize community needs, develop practical solutions, and move projects from concept through implementation and completion. The successful employee will be expected to manage multiple priorities effectively, maintain accurate documentation, meet funding and project deadlines, communicate proactively with partners, and represent GRADD in a manner that reflects the organization’s commitment to regional service, collaboration, accountability, and community improvement. The successful candidate will be a motivated, organized, and analytical professional who can manage multiple projects and priorities while providing dependable technical assistance to local communities. The position requires strong grant writing, project development, research, communication, public speaking, and relationship building skills, along with the ability to exercise sound judgment and work effectively under demanding or stressful conditions.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky Driver’s License.
• Must be able to travel throughout the GRADD region and attend meetings, training sessions, conferences, and other events as required.
• Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of the GRADD team.
• Position is primarily performed indoors in an office environment and requires extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Position requires regular travel and field work throughout the GRADD region.
• Position may occasionally require outdoor work and exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift objects weighing more than 25 pounds.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle as an essential function of the position.
• GRADD is a drug free workplace and an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title VI employer.
• This position may require skills testing and criminal background screening.