The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world. The Red Cross network is vast, but the approach is simple. All Red Cross programs and activities are guided by the Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. These principles allow us to provide help immediately to whomever needs it, wherever they are, whatever their race, political beliefs, religion, social status, or culture.

The National Office of the Canadian Red Cross seeks a dynamic subject matter expert to provide leadership to the full spectrum of domestic disaster management services and programs.

Overall accountability for developing and directing the implementation of comprehensive strategies to enhance and promote Canadian Red Cross disaster management initiatives; act as a key leader and strategist for the organization on a wide variety of disaster management services, for both planning and preparedness, and during times of domestic disasters. Working closely with the International Director, Emergencies and Recovery, the incumbent with help build and sustain synergy between the domestic Disaster management programs and resources and the opportunities with which the Canadian Red Cross is engaged as part of its participation in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and support to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Education:
• Post secondary studies in a related Disaster Management discipline at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level

Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years’ progressive leadership experience in disaster management including mitigation, planning, preparedness, and response; business continuity planning and disaster risk reduction strategies.
• Experience with national or international, service-based, non-profit organizations is a definite asset;
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Demonstrated competence in leading and working collaboratively with staff and volunteer teams, committees and expert advisors.

Knowledge:
• Practical knowledge of the full range of strategic disaster management initiatives, delivery models, and metrics to accelerate organizational performance;
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in working with government agencies

Abilities and Skills:
• Ability to work effectively in an extremely fast-paced and demanding environment requiring regular change to meet the needs of the most vulnerable especially in times of disaster at home and around the world;
• Ability to be creative in enhancing volunteer engagement and developing and implementing tools, programs and initiatives where opportunities and needs often outweigh the resources available;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy to establish rapport and credibility and build strong relationships with all levels of internal and external partners in a complex organizational structure;
• Progressive, collaborative management skills and the ability to identify and support individual strengths and complementary skills and competencies;
• Superior analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex information and to communicate it to a variety of audiences;
• Strong facilitation and communication skills to influence and build consensus across the disaster management department;
• Ability to work outside of regular business hours and be on-call.
• Commitment to the Fundamental Principles and values of the Red Cross Movement.

Languages:
• The ability to communicate fluently in English and French.