Senior Individual Assistance Specialist

Summary

Join our leading national consulting firm as a Senior Individual Assistance Program Specialist and be part of a team dedicated to helping communities recover from natural disasters. This full-time, regular position offers competitive salaries ($90-100k, $90-115k, or $114-156k annually depending on experience level) and a comprehensive benefits package. You will lead and support disaster recovery efforts for public and private sector clients, utilizing your expertise in FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) programs. The role requires strong business development skills, a client-focused mindset, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. Travel up to 50% is required, with opportunities for remote work. This position offers significant professional development opportunities and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of disaster survivors.

Requirements

• Significant experience in a consulting environment, with a focus on FEMA IA programs or emergency management
• Proven ability to lead large-scale, client-facing projects and deliver high-impact recovery solutions
• Strong business development and proposal writing skills, with experience securing and managing federal or state contracts
• Demonstrated ability to build programs and systems from the ground up and adapt to evolving client needs
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
• Ability to train others and lead projects and/or programs with senior leadership oversight
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction
• Willingness to travel and support disaster deployments on short notice
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and active listening skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong knowledge in FEMA PA categories A, B, and E
• Customer service-oriented Technical Skills
• Excellent and proven computer skills, particularly with database software and Microsoft Office Suite project eligibility, scope of work and estimating costs to repair or replace a facility or structure to restore it to its pre-disaster design
• The ability to be flexible in a dynamic environment and outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Bachelor's degree in emergency Management or related field
• Equivalency: Professional experience beyond minimum requirements, in a related field may substitute the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis
• At least 1 year of direct leadership experience or experience leading complex portions of projects teams/tasks, program management or full scope programs
• Demonstrated working knowledge of full scope Emergency Management protocols and familiarity with state and local plans, agencies, and funding sources is necessary
• Experience with Grants Portal, EMMIE, or any state-specific grant systems
• Experience in at least two major Disaster Recovery efforts
• Experience working and supporting in an Emergency Operations Center
• Individual Assistance in FEMA Program experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel
• 5+ years of customer service experience
• 5+ years of project management experience
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in FEMA Individual Assistance or equivalent roles in disaster recovery
• Direct experience supporting multiple disaster operations or deployments
• Strong knowledge of FEMA IA policies, systems (e.g., NEMIS or Recovery platforms), and appeal processes
• Able to manage complex cases and assist with documentation or appeals
• Skilled in coordinating with community partners and supporting program implementation in the field
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in FEMA Individual Assistance or equivalent roles in disaster recovery
• 10+ years of experience in FEMA IA, emergency management, or related recovery programs, with demonstrated leadership in disaster operations
• Experience managing teams in DRCs, MRICs, or field deployments
• Expert-level understanding of FEMA IA programs, policies, and coordination frameworks
• Proven ability to lead IA functions during declared disasters, including staff supervision, community engagement, and interagency coordination
• Adept at resolving escalated issues and overseeing complex case management processes
• Leads teams of IA specialists, provides performance feedback, and contributes to operational planning and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Lead/manage the delivery and oversight of FEMA IA programs—including Housing Assistance, Other Needs Assistance (ONA), and Crisis Counseling—ensuring timely execution and regulatory compliance
• Consult with clients across federal, state, and local agencies, offering subject matter expertise on program development, implementation strategies, and recovery operations
• Develop and scale disaster recovery programs, such as Disaster Case Management, in collaboration with case management agencies, ensuring long-term support for impacted individuals and communities
• Serve as the primary liaison with FEMA, state officials, local agencies, and voluntary organizations to ensure coordinated, client-aligned service delivery
• Manage multidisciplinary teams across multiple projects, providing leadership on workstreams, staffing, timelines, performance, and quality assurance
• Oversee the stand-up and operation of Disaster Recovery Centers, managing logistics, personnel, and client-facing services for disaster survivors
• Drive business development efforts, including identifying new opportunities, contributing to proposal development, participating in capture planning, and expanding client relationships
• Deliver strategic advisory services, using data-driven insights to help clients optimize IA program delivery and improve operational outcomes
• Analyze service gaps and coordinate with stakeholders to mobilize additional resources, enhancing support for survivors’ unmet needs
• Ensure accurate data reporting, case documentation, and compliance with federal and state regulations across all recovery initiatives
• Prepare executive-level reports, briefings, and presentations for clients and internal stakeholders, clearly articulating program results, insights, and recommendations
• Facilitate/lead workshops, trainings, and stakeholder engagements, supporting client learning and continuous improvement initiatives
• Stay current on FEMA regulations, federal grant management best practices, and emerging trends in disaster recovery and emergency management
• Support all phases of the grant lifecycle, including proposal writing, implementation, monitoring, and closeout, ensuring alignment with compliance standards
• Deploy to disaster-affected areas as needed, and remain flexible to support extended hours, weekends, or field-based work during active recovery operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Applicable Certifications: Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Project Management Certification
• Business development experience

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Short-Term Disability/Voluntary Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Account with Company Match
• Paid-Time Off (PTO): Annual Leave and Sick Leave Accruals
• Paid Parental Leave
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities
• Corporate Computer
• Time off to Volunteer
• Cell Phone Allowance