West Coast Regional Director - Post Disaster Recovery Programs

Are you looking for an opportunity to join a team that makes a real difference? Do you want to be part of a collaborative team that protects and strengthens communities and businesses? If you are looking for all these opportunities and more, then Witt O’Brien’s is the right fit for you.

West Coast Region Director – Post Disaster Recovery Programs

Position Summary 

Witt O’Brien’s is seeking a West Region Director - Post Disaster Recovery Programs to join our organization. In this role, you will leverage your extensive experience in federal disaster recovery programs, including FEMA Public Assistance (PA), FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), HUD’s Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), FHWA Emergency Relief (ER), and other Federally funded post-disaster recovery programs. You will be responsible for guiding clients through the complex lifecycle of these programs, from initial damage assessment through to project closeout, ensuring compliance with all federal requirements. Additionally, you will play a key role in business development and client relations, expanding Witt O’Brien’s disaster recovery client base across the Western U.S.

Position Details 

• Reports to:  Emergency Management & Disaster Recovery Sector Lead
• Position Location:  Remote, with a focus on Western U.S. states
• Position Type:  Regular Full-Time           
• FLSA Status:  Exempt 
• Pay:  Salary 
• Compensation: Commensurate with experience  

Essential Job Functions 

• Client Management: Serve as the primary interface with state and local agencies, providing end-to-end support through the FEMA PA funding lifecycle, and other disaster recovery programs including FHWA-ER, CDBG-DR, and HMGP.
• Policy and Compliance: Ensure that all projects comply with relevant FEMA PA, FHWA, CDBG-DR, and mitigation program policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Business Development: Market Witt O’Brien’s disaster recovery program management and consulting services to potential clients, expanding our presence in the disaster recovery space. Perform market assessments, identify client needs, and match them with Witt O’Brien’s capabilities.
• Project Leadership: Lead the development of project worksheets, damage assessments, and cost estimates in alignment with FEMA and other program requirements. Oversee project planning, grant application, funding approval, and final closeout.
• Strategic Development: Develop and pursue business opportunities that meet Witt O’Brien’s goals and objectives at a national or regional level.
• Client Relations: Foster and maintain relationships with clients, including government officials and other stakeholders, ensuring projects meet client expectations and are delivered on time and within budget.
• Public Speaking and Facilitation: Deliver presentations, facilitate meetings, and represent Witt O’Brien’s at client and industry events.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including finance, legal, and technical staff, to deliver high-quality, cost-effective work products for our clients.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and conflicts early in the project lifecycle and implement strategies to mitigate them.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and guide team members, ensuring their work aligns with organizational goals and client expectations.
• Proposal Development: Prepare proposals, project cost estimates, and client interview documents to secure new business opportunities.

Minimum Job Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited university. Alternatively, two (2) years of experience in a relevant technical discipline may be substituted for each year of education.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in federal disaster recovery grant programs, including FEMA PA, FEMA HMGP, HUD CDBG-DR, and other relevant programs, with specific experience in Florida’s FROC program.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking, delivering presentations, and facilitating meetings with government officials and business leaders.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills, with the ability to develop cost estimates, manage budgets, and analyze project performance metrics.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships, ensuring projects meet or exceed client expectations.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in relevant field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Relevant Professional certification (e.g., CFM, PMP).

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: We are proud to offer competitive compensation and benefits.
• Location Flexibility: Remote work with travel required for onsite client management and meetings, particularly in particularly in the Western U.S.

Job Description and Hiring Disclaimer  

This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job. It recognizes that other related duties not specifically mentioned might also be performed, and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs.  

The hiring department will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. 

Commitment to Diversity 

• Witt O'Brien's is always looking for the most qualified and experienced professionals with a passion for public safety, emergency management, homeland security, disaster response, and continuity of operations.  
• We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veteran/Disabled

With you when it counts.