Individual Assistance Director

Michael Baker International

. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Individual Assistance programs and disaster survivor support programs .

Posted 9/16/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $141,880 - $204,242 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive knowledge and leadership in FEMA Individual Assistance programs and disaster recovery operations, with a strong ability to develop operational strategies and manage multidisciplinary teams effectively. Proven track record in advising senior government officials and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance disaster response and recovery services.

Highest-signal resume keywords

FEMA Individual Assistance ProgramsDisaster Response and Recovery ManagementOperational Strategy DevelopmentProject Management Professional (PMP)Leadership and Personnel Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Disaster Case ManagementProgram Performance MonitoringPolicy DevelopmentStaffing Model CreationService Delivery Quality AssuranceAnalytical Problem-SolvingDecision-MakingOperational Procedure EstablishmentBudget ManagementRisk Mitigation Strategy Development

Soft Skills

Executive-Level CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsMentoringOrganizational SkillsAdaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Emergency Management CertificationsHuman Services CertificationsDisaster Recovery Certifications

Industry Keywords

Individual Assistance ProgramsDisaster Survivor SupportCommunity ResourcesState and Local Government CollaborationVoluntary OrganizationsClient Relationship ManagementRegulatory ComplianceHurricane RecoveryFlood RecoveryWildfire Recovery

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Individual Assistance programs and disaster survivor support programs
Serve as a senior advisor to SLTT clients regarding Individual Assistance programs, policies, operational strategies, and recovery needs
Lead and manage IA project teams, including program managers, supervisors, case management personnel, housing specialists, technical staff, and other project resources
Establish project priorities, staffing requirements, performance expectations, operational procedures, and delivery standards
Provide leadership and technical guidance related to FEMA Individual Assistance programs and other survivor services, housing assistance, disaster case management, unmet needs, and community resources
Assist clients with developing and implementing scalable recovery programs following hurricanes, floods, wildfires, severe storms, and other disaster events
Develop operational strategies, staffing models, workflows, policies, procedures, and performance measures for IA programs
Monitor program performance, staffing levels, service delivery, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and contractual requirements
Identify program risks, operational challenges, service gaps, and emerging survivor needs and develop mitigation strategies
Coordinate with FEMA, state emergency management agencies, local governments, tribal and territorial governments, voluntary organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders
Develop and maintain effective relationships with senior client leadership and government officials
Ensure compliance with program requirements, client policies, privacy standards, and applicable regulations
Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management support to managers, supervisors, and project staff
Support workforce planning, recruiting, mobilization, training, and staff development initiatives
Participate in client meetings, executive briefings, operational planning sessions, and recovery strategy discussions
Support development of scopes of work, staffing plans, technical approaches, proposals, and other business development materials
Assist organizational leadership in identifying emerging client needs and opportunities to expand disaster response and recovery services
Travel to client and disaster-affected locations as required
Oversee multidisciplinary teams supporting disaster response and recovery operations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience supporting, administering, or leading FEMA Individual Assistance programs
Ten (10) or more years of management and leadership experience, including direct supervision of staff, supervisors, and project teams
Significant experience managing complex disaster response and recovery programs
Demonstrated experience advising SLTT leadership and collaborating directly with FEMA
Proven experience resolving complex programmatic issues and leading large-scale disaster operations
Experience working with senior government officials, community organizations, and disaster recovery stakeholders
Experience developing operational strategies, staffing models, policies, and recovery program frameworks
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferred
Relevant professional experience may substitute for educational requirements
Extensive knowledge of FEMA Individual Assistance and disaster survivor support programs
Demonstrated expertise in FEMA IA programs and policies, including Individual and Households Program (IHP), Mass Care/Emergency Assistance, housing and sheltering, Disaster Case Management, and survivor services
Strong understanding of disaster response and recovery operations and the needs of disaster-affected communities
Proven ability to lead complex, large-scale programs and multidisciplinary teams
Strong personnel management, mentoring, and leadership skills
Knowledge of program operations, service delivery, quality assurance, and performance monitoring
Ability to develop practical solutions and operational strategies in rapidly changing disaster environments
Strong executive-level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials, clients, FEMA representatives, and community stakeholders
Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Strong written communication and documentation skills
Ability to lead teams effectively through rapid mobilization and changing operational requirements
Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25% to 50% based on project needs
Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and disaster response and recovery requirements
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
Additional certifications in emergency management, human services, project management, disaster recovery, or related fields are a plus
Valid driver's license may be required based on travel requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, vision insurance
401k Retirement Plan
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
Professional and personal development
Generous paid time off
Commuter and wellness benefits