Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

Are you within a reasonable commuting distance of the Methodist Conference Center office in Lakeland, FL (33815)?

Do you find yourself wanting to jump into action to respond when there's a disaster?

If you have a passion for our UM mission and want to recruit and lead more volunteers to it, this role may be your perfect fit.

The Conference Disaster Response Coordinator (CDRC) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Florida Conference's disaster recovery ministries—encompassing all phases of preparedness, response, and long-term recovery.

This role works closely with local United Methodist churches, ministries, and volunteers to help them train, prepare, and respond faithfully when disaster strikes. The CORC empowers congregations to become centers of hope and resilience within their communities by providing guidance, resources, and hands-on support before, during, and after emergencies.

The CDRC also builds strong partnerships with community organizations and nonprofits, including UMCOR, Florida United Methodist creation care, Global ministries, FL VOAD, state and local emergency management agencies, and other local, state, and national partners.

Disasters include both natural and human-caused events — from hurricanes and floods to community crises such as fires, accidents, or acts of violence. The goal of the Conference's disaster ministry is to bring healing, hope, and practical support to those affected, no matter the source of the disaster.

Essential Job Requirements:  

• An appreciation of the nature and mission of the Church is essential; 

• Ability to maintain ethical conduct in accordance with organizational policy and conduct business in a manner consistent with the mission, values and policies of the organization; 

• Ability to work independently on assigned duties, and willingness to seek and accept supervision as needed; 

• Available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evening and weekend hours. Following a disaster, time commitments may escalate dramatically; 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, clergy, local churches, community partners, and nonprofit organizations; 

• Excellent computer skills, including use of Office 365 programs and ability to learn new and/or customized software as needed; 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to lead presentations and trainings; 

• Active membership in a United Methodist Church is preferred but not required. 

 Essential Job Functions: 

 Work with the District Superintendent (DS) in each District to recruit, train, and equip two to three disaster response coordinators in each district to help prepare for and organize the immediate aftermath of a disaster. 

• Work with the DS or her/his designee and their District leaders to design, develop, and implement a disaster response plan specific to each District’s needs and consistent with the Conference plan. 

• Develop trainings for churches, volunteers, and community partners, using existing UMCOR resources where possible. These can include ERT training, train-the-trainer and just-in-time events. 

• Expand and support the Disaster Response Front Team (DRFT) in coordinating with DSs, district leaders, and local United Methodist churches when a disaster strikes. 

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local churches, volunteer networks, nonprofit partners, and community agencies to ensure an effective, coordinated response. 

• Oversee and implement all communications related to disaster response and recovery—including website updates, newsletters, email blasts, and social media in coordination with Conference Communications. 

• Maintain an updated database of trained volunteers, church resources, and community partners. 

• Review, update, and communicate the Conference disaster plan annually. 

• Represent the Conference with external organizations, including FL VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), National VOAD, UMCOR, FEPA (Florida Emergency Preparedness Association), and other national and state partners. 

• Oversee all disaster-related assets and ensure they are inventoried, maintained, and tracked appropriately. 

• Work with Global Ministries environmental team and Florida United Methodist Creation care team on training, educating churches and ministries on caring for our creation.  

• Work on grants and with grant partners to prepare applications, manage budgets, track outcomes, and submit required reports in alignment with organizational goals and donor expectations.  

 During Response and Short-Term Recovery: 

• Lead and coordinate the immediate local and Conference-wide disaster response, mobilizing volunteers, supplies, and resources in partnership with UMCOR, the Director of Connectional and Mission Ministries, and District Offices. 
• Activate and equip local churches and ministries to serve as community hubs of compassion—organizing volunteer teams, providing care to those affected, and collaborating with local partners for a unified response. 
• Adapt response efforts to the size and scope of each disaster, overseeing logistics, financial tracking, donations management, and the application for grants and external funding to sustain recovery efforts. 

• In the aftermath of a disaster, work alongside the Director of Connectional and Mission Ministries, Assistant to the Bishop, and Conference leadership to design and implement a comprehensive recovery plan that includes volunteer engagement, community partnerships, and resource development. 

• Maintain clear and consistent communication with the Director of Connectional and Mission Ministries throughout all phases of response and recovery.  

 Throughout the year:  

• Guide and direct the work of the volunteers involved in recovery efforts ensuring clarity of roles and empowering them to perform their duties effectively. 

• Develop a strategic plan aligning volunteer work plans with overall recovery goals and objectives. 

• Provide timely training and information to recovery staff and volunteers regarding policies and procedures. 

• Manage state and national partner relationships to strengthen response and recovery efforts across the Conference. 

• Collect and manage supplies. 

• Oversee grants and resources.  

• Collaborate with other Conference staff to ensure all systems are ready to support recovery operations. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor, in compliance with Federal and State laws. 

• Work towards understanding grant requirements and compliance expectations to meet the standards of funding partners. 

• Long term recovery depends on the decision from the annual conference leadership in consultation with Conference Disaster Response Coordinator  

 Minimum Requirements:    

• An appreciation of the nature and mission of the United Methodist Church is essential  
• Knowledge of the mission of the Florida Conference and General United Methodist Church agencies and general knowledge of Connectional Church Polity  
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent 3-year work experience  

• Highly organized and detail-oriented  

• Clear and concise communication skills: verbal, written, visual, and auditory  

• Outstanding technical skills: Expert proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite products, specifically with Excel and PowerPoint. Expert-level ability to create charts and tables, formulas, etc.

• Schedule and manage on-site, remote meetings and webinars

• Exceptional documentation techniques and presentation skills

• Works with Conference Financial Services, other Cabinet-level and team leads on budget accountability and cost-sharing

• Project management experience with specific focus on budget and quality outcomes involving ministry teams

• Planning and execution of large meetings and conferences

• Experience leading and managing staff within all levels of diversity (experience, knowledge, etc.)

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize while achieving quality outcomes

• Experience with conflict resolution  

• Quality assurance and outcome-focused  

• Highest degree of discretion and confidentiality  

•  Ability to relate to leadership at all levels.  

Preferences:  

• Preference for a member of The United Methodist Church 

 Working Conditions:  

• This position is based out of the Florida Conference Office in Lakeland, FL. The role offers a hybrid work schedule, combining in-office collaboration with remote work.  
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle to be able to drive long distances throughout the conference. 
• Constant interaction with internal leadership and colleagues, as well as external partners. 

• Adaptability to environmental factors, including noises, odors, variable climate, etc.  

• Spends over 60% of time in stationary position; remainder of time includes moving within damaged areas to assess and evaluate; sometimes having to navigate debris to do so.  

• Occasional lifting of resource materials (food and water and construction and cleaning supplies) up to 20 lbs. 

• Occasionally navigating stairs when no ramp or working elevator is available. 

• Occasionally ascending and descending a ladder to provide a client service. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.  

FLUMC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We are the Florida Conference.

Our Mission

Equipping leaders to make disciples of Jesus for the transformation of communities across Florida and beyond.

Our Vision

Courageous Leadership - Missional Engagement - Spirit-Led Innovation