Disaster Relief Team Manager, Victoria

Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) brings hope to communities devastated by disaster. We unite the skills and experience of military veterans, emergency responders and motivated civilians to deploy Disaster Relief Teams around Australia and the world. With our army of dedicated volunteers, we respond to disasters and deliver support to those who need it.


If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are ready to work for a growing organisation that is built to serve communities in need, apply now. 


The DRT Manger understands and contributes to Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) capability and capacity to achieve its strategic mission and objectives. The DRT Manager will build, mentor, and lead a dedicated and talented volunteer leadership team within the relevant DRT. The DRT Manager will also be responsible for partnering with relevant DRA employees to develop and maintain Corporate, State and Local Government and Not for Profit organisational relationships. The DRT Manager will strive to achieve the end state of becoming an incorporated entity of the Emergency Management Centre's/Teams for the respective States and Regions, becoming a recognised solution for resilience and relief-based activities. 



 


Key accountabilities 


Financial Delegation and Authority 


The DRT Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective use of DRA resources through adherence to the procurement guidelines and financial delegation limits.  

The DRT Manager, in consultation with the volunteer leadership team and finance team, to prepare a budget (budget period specified by CFO) to support DRT activities such as skills maintenance, attendance at civic events, engagement operations and social events. 

 

Strategy 


Become the regional face of DRA by developing key stakeholder relationships, fostering a sought-after volunteer base, and enhancing brand recognition as the go-to organisation for resilience and relief-based activities. 

Continued consultation with the volunteer leadership team on the DRT Strategy on a Page (SoaP) which defines a pathway to achieving and delivering DRA's strategic intent and purpose. 

In collaboration with respective DRA functional teams, support the implementation and execution of organisational priorities, including but not limited to organisational strategy, new initiatives, programs and capabilities, key partnerships, and donor relations.  

In collaboration with DRA functional teams, manage DRT facilities and equipment to align with growth requirements. 

Operational Leadership 


Ensure DRT volunteer leadership team retention, depth, and continuity to minimise gaps in team capability. 

Always promote the safety and wellbeing of the DRT and all DRT volunteers. 

Develop and execute an annual DRT Leadership workshop. 

Conduct State of Readiness Assessments on an annual basis with the DRT Leadership Team (Volunteers) and in collaboration with DRA functional teams to evaluate the DRT deployment capabilities.  

Assist DRT functional leaders to identify, train and mentor future leaders (succession planning).  

Convene regular DRT Leadership team meetings (monthly minimum) and support the conduct of at least four welcome sessions per fiscal year for new volunteers. 

Provide the DRT volunteer leadership team with clear direction, guidelines, and framework to support them in fulfilling the requirements of their respective roles.  

Leadership and motivation of the DRT to foster an environment of positivity, engagement, and support of DRA in alignment with the DRA values. 

Support engagement between DRT Manager, DRT volunteer leadership team and the respective DRA functional teams in driving a cohesive, transparent, and collaborative environment. 

 

Memberships 


Work with and support the DRT volunteer leadership team to maintain volunteer engagement through operations and training activities.  

Work with the DRT volunteer leadership team in developing brand awareness, partnerships and operations resulting in improved recruitment and growth. 

Ensuring smooth onboarding of volunteers into the DRT. 

Achieve retention and recruitment in alignment with the DRA's Capability Target.  

 

Stakeholder Management 


Work with the DRT volunteer leadership team to maintain existing and develop new relationships with key stakeholders regarding Disaster Management, Spontaneous Volunteers, Resilience, and relief-based activities. 

Seek, coordinate, and execute engagement activities, building relationships with relevant community groups and not for profits across the DRT region. 

Identify local opportunities for DRT to engage with/participate in brand awareness, recruitment and fundraising and make informed recommendations to DRA's relevant functional teams.  

 

Operational Preparedness 


Working with the volunteer leadership and relevant DRA employees to ensure correct categorisation of proposed operations.  

Aligned with the Ops Responsibility Matrix to achieve deployment outcomes for DRT. 

Work with the DRT Volunteer Leadership Team, in alignment with DRA's Training Program, to develop the DRT Annual Training Program.  

Under guidance from DRA's Training Team facilitate the execution of training requirements to retain volunteer capability. 

 

Key challenges 


Fulfillment, management, and retention of a volunteer leadership team. 

Alignment of volunteer requirements as per DRA's Capability Target framework. 

Develop and maintain multi-level partnerships across the DRT, achieving DRA brand and capability recognition. 

Delivering consistent DRT outcomes in a complex and evolving environment.  

Ensuring strategy development and implementation is inclusive of the DRA functional teams aligning with the organisational programs and objectives.  

Retention, engagement and growth of the DRT Leadership Team and Volunteer cohort. 

 

Key relationships 


This position reports to the General Manager, Disaster Relief Teams, and is required to maintain proactive working relationships with DRA functional employees whilst ensuring the Volunteer Leadership team remain actively engaged with their respective functional manager.  


Capabilities for the role 


Taking Initiative 


Adapt existing skills to new situations. 

Demonstrated commitment to achieving work goals.  

Demonstrated awareness of own strengths and areas for growth and develop and apply new skills. 

Seek feedback from colleagues and stakeholders. 

Maintain own motivation when tasks become difficult. 



Customer Focus 


Support a culture of quality customer service in the organisation.  

Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the services provided and relay to customers.  

Co-operate across work areas to improve outcomes for customers. 



Focusing on Performance 


Complete own work tasks under guidance, within set budgets, timeframes, and standards. 

Work with Volunteer Leadership teams to maintain initiative in progressing work and Identifying resources to complete allocated work tasks. 

Identification and resolution of performance related matters in productive, professional and solutions driven manner. 



Understanding the business 


Apply computer applications that enable performance of more complex tasks.  

Apply practical skills in the use of relevant technology.  

Make effective use of records, information and knowledge management functions and systems.  

Understand and comply with information and communications security and acceptable use policies.  

Support the implementation of systems improvement initiatives and the introduction and roll-out of new technologies. 

Why Join Us? Make a Difference: Your work directly contributes to our mission of providing disaster relief, offering an unparalleled sense of purpose and fulfilment.


Innovate for Good: Use cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems and innovate in ways that have a tangible impact on our disaster response capabilities.


Join a Community: Be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration, innovation, and improvement in order to change lives.


Our employee benefits:


Comprehensive Salary Packaging:


Maximise your take-home pay with our extensive salary packaging options through Community Business Bureau (CBB), including novated lease arrangements, electronic device packaging, and rent benefits.


Airport Lounge Privileges:


Through CBB, access discounted rates and membership to premium airport lounges, making your journeys as relaxing as possible.


Health and Wellbeing:


Through CBB, you can access a Medibank Private Corporate Discount of 7% through Medibank, ensuring you and your loved ones are well-protected. Access dedicated wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Provider, Sonder.


Blue Light Card Benefits:


Take advantage of the Blue Light Card, offering exclusive discounts on a wide range of products and services, just for you.


Ongoing Professional Development: 


Invest in your future with our self-education opportunities, empowering you to continually enhance your skills and advance your career.


Flexible Working Arrangements: 


Achieve a work-life balance with our flexible working environment, designed to fit your lifestyle and personal needs.


Convenient Parking: 


Enjoy the convenience of on-site parking at our Adelaide and Brisbane offices.