Sonoma County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) Director

Description

AGENCY BACKGROUND:  The objective of Sonoma Community Action Network (Sonoma CAN) is to partner with low-income families and individuals to help them achieve economic and social empowerment, build community, and advocate for social and economic justice.  Sonoma CAN operates a wide variety of programs benefiting low-income Sonoma County residents.

Our Mission: Sonoma CAN is a catalyst of equitable transformation, aligning partners and resources to implement values-based, data-driven, community-led solutions that help families reach their full potential.

Our Vision: We see our Sonoma County transformed into an empowered community of thriving families where every child is raised with joy, justice, and connection.

Our Values: Joy, Amor, Esperanza, Equity, Fuerza, Dignity, Inclusión

Our Promise: Sonoma CAN changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: The wage compensation for this position is $75k-$85k annually, depending on experience. CAN offers a generous benefits package available on the first day of the month after your date of hire that includes: 

• Medical insurance through Kaiser or Sutter is 80-95% paid by the employer for employee premiums plus 50% paid by the employer for dependent coverage
• Elective dental, vision insurance, FSA, and Accident insurance.
• Employer-paid $10k of life insurance with expandable options
• Employer-paid Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(K) plan with a 2% contribution and an additional 1% matched contribution after one year of service
• Employee assistance program, CalPerks
• 3 weeks vacation (4 hours accrued per pay period) based on full-time work increases at 5 years of service
• 96 hours of sick time per year (4 hours accrued per pay period) based on full-time work
• 1 floating personal day
• 16 paid holidays 

Position Summary:

The Sonoma County COAD Director will work with the COAD Governance Committee to facilitate communication, collaboration, cooperation, and coordination among organizations working on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation in Sonoma County.  

The Director will interface and build relationships with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, social service groups, government agencies, private sector businesses, and others. The Director will co-lead community efforts for equitable disaster response recovery and preparedness.  The Director will work to minimize duplication of services and efforts and build opportunities for collaboration amongst all groups. The Director will also seek to strengthen resources and support to build these partnerships throughout Sonoma County. 

Reporting Relationship: 

The Sonoma County COAD Director reports to the COAD Governance Team and the CEO of Sonoma CAN (COAD’s fiscal sponsor). This position will supervise other COAD employees. 

Sonoma Community Action Network is the fiscal sponsor for the Sonoma County COAD.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Promote the growth and development of Sonoma County COAD
• Work with the Governance Committee and, in some cases, consultants to provide program management to accomplish the following: 
  • Execution of the three-year strategic plan and development of new plans over time 
  • Maintenance of the COAD Activation Plan 
  • Maintenance of the COAD website and social media pages
  • Maintenance of online document sharing and storage
  • Maintenance of other resources and tools to support the sustainability and success of COAD
  • Identification and oversight of a strong network of nonprofit partners who will mobilize to serve the community collaboratively immediately following a disaster  
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to the COAD through planning meetings, supporting committees, developing agendas, facilitating meetings and trainings, and updating bylaws and other formal documents  
• Engage with community partners to identify and address ongoing needs related to disaster relief, recovery, and preparedness throughout Sonoma County
• Work with the Access and Functional Needs Committee and organizations that serve people with access and functional needs to achieve equitable disaster preparedness, response, and recovery 
• Develop an advocacy plan with members for key relevant initiatives in Sonoma County
• Promote the COAD in order to increase membership and engagement
• Serve as the primary point of contact for COAD members and represent Sonoma County COAD at public events and engagements.
• In partnership with the COAD Governance and Operations teams, provide administrative and strategic oversight of preparedness activities based on existing funding, including the possibility of:
  • Coordinating activities with non-profit members, the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, and the Office of Equity
  • Hiring and supervising any required staff or consultants providing technical assistance on a variety of planning and reporting activities alongside government and nonprofit partners. 
  • Providing administrative oversight for all aspects of the development of Emergency Action Plans and Continuity of Operations Plans  
• Resource identification and development: 
  • Seek funding support as needed to accomplish the goals and objectives of COAD.  
  • Work with governmental partners to coordinate human and material resources and messaging in times of disaster. 
  • Assist with local campaigns, speaking, and advocating on community issues.
  • Work closely with the County’s Department of Emergency Management and city Office of Emergency Services and Health and Human Services to identify needs, resources, and shared actions. 
• Data Management 
  • Collect and report data on COAD activities. 
  • Manage and assist in updating Member Resource Directory and COAD Disaster Member Services
  • Manage reporting requirements for all grants 
• Direct COAD during a disaster 
  • Act as liaison with the Emergency Operations Center, embedding within the EOC during disaster  
  • Maintain (recruit as needed) a bench of liaisons to serve in the EOC during a disaster.
  • Provide ongoing, real-time updates to the COAD from the EOC 
  • Work to identify gaps, eliminate duplications, and be a two-way conduit during disasters between EOC and COAD members
  • Oversee the maintenance and implementation of the activation plan, acting as a point-person for coordination of COAD during a disaster
  • Communicate with the press, elected officials, funders, etc., to coordinate and align efforts 
  • Especially during disaster response, night and weekend hours may be required
• Budget and Compliance: 
  • Work with the fiscal sponsor and Governance Committee to create, modify, and monitor the COAD budget.
  • Provide compliance and reporting as needed based on COAD grants. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Excellent communication skills (Spanish language fluency preferred)
• Excellent project management skills 
• Strong logistical organization skills 
• Ability to solve problems and think creatively 
• Ability to maintain composure, communicate clearly, and exercise sound judgment in high-stress environments 
• Self-directed with sharp attention to detail 
• Self-motivated with the initiative to take on projects and work independently with minimal supervision in a timely manner 
• Sensibility and sensitivity to understanding and effectively communicating the needs of low-income and working-class communities, especially the Latino community, with different City and County agencies, local businesses, neighborhood stakeholders, and other constituents 
• Ability to work within a close-knit team environment 
• Commitment to social justice and community organizing principles 

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

• BA or BS required, or equivalent experience and education
• Project management experience required 
• Demonstrated experience in elective project management required 
• Demonstrated experience in community organizing, bringing together a variety of stakeholders for collaboration to solve common problems facing the community's preferred 
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and project facilitation preferred
• Experience working in disaster preparedness and response environments is preferred 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including but not limited to verbal and written communication, public speaking, and conflict mediation 
• Effective public speaker, being able to communicate clearly and persuasively in front of large audiences 
• Be able to listen and respond quickly/thoughtfully during public forums 
• Proficiency in Microsoft software programs (i.e., Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and  Internet usage. 
• Understanding of collaboration platforms such as Google Documents and Google Drive

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License, a good driving record, and the use of a properly insured vehicle per the requirements of the State of California.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, agreements, legal requirements, etc.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk,  use hands to handle objects/operate keyboards, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and lift objects/parcels without assistance that routinely weigh up to 25 pounds. Employees must be able to stoop, kneel, and crouch; climb stairs/ladders; talk and hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office site as well as in the community and on building/construction sites.  Some hybrid/remote work. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must have a home office or other appropriate off-site area that is conducive to office work.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000