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.
Job Description
The Head of Operations is responsible for supporting the CEO in implementing DRA’s strategic objectives, as well as providing strong and effective leadership for the Disaster Relief and Recovery, Field Operations, Preparedness and Volunteer Management functions. They are also responsible for the success of key collaborations with enabling functions across the organisation that ensure the delivery of future capabilities.
Key Accountabilities
Champion a culture of transparency, integrity and accountability within DRA, embedding organisational values into decision-making and processes at all levels.
Lead by example in adhering to DRA’s values of Courage, Respect, Service and Tenacity and seek to instill a positive, values-based culture across the organisation
Work collegiately with other members of the Executive to pursue DRA’s vision and realise its overarching strategic goals.
Cultivate and lead a high-performing operations team, empowering operational leaders to drive excellence and seek innovation and continuous improvement.
Translate DRA’s strategy into actionable operational steps for growth.
Develop and execute operational plans that align with the organisation’s strategy, focusing on relief, recovery and preparedness capabilities.
Act as the organisation’s operations ambassador with partners, donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Implement and manage operational goal setting frameworks, operations performance management, and annual operations planning.
Develop and implement long-term plans to drive sustainable growth, enhance operational effectiveness, and maximise impact in disaster relief efforts.
In close collaboration with the Heads of Marketing and Communications and Strategy and Innovation, cultivate DRA’s strategic partnerships to enhance visibility and effectiveness while proactively identifying new opportunities to develop relationships, community support, and secure additional revenue streams.
Prepare detailed updates, forecasts and reports for the DRA senior leadership and the Board of Directors as necessary.
In consultation with key stakeholders and collaboration with the Head of Marketing and Communications, support volunteer recruitment and drive training, engagement, and retention initiatives to maintain the motivated and skilled volunteer base essential for disaster relief operations Nationally and Internationally
In consultation with the other members of the DRA senior leadership manage the operational aspects of revenue generation and diversification efforts in line with the organisation’s revenue generation strategy.
Identify, manage, mitigate and clearly communicate organisational risks, ensuring compliance with policy, legal and regulatory requirements.
Oversee operations and partner with CEO in management so that sufficient investment capital can be budgeted for near term growth targets.
Partner with the CFO to achieve favorable financial results with respect to sustainability, cash flow, systems, reporting and controls.
Monitor performance with tracking software and take corrective measures when necessary.
Desired Skills and Experience
Capabilities for the role
Personal Attributes
Creates new and better ways for the organisation to be successful.
The ability to anticipate and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders.
The ability to operate with a high degree of integrity and transparency in potentially sensitive environments.
A skilled and authentic leader who champions DRA’s values, vision, purpose and objectives
A demonstrated ability to create a culture and climate where people are empowered and motivated to deliver DRAs objectives
Relationships
An organisation rather than department first mindset, with a strong focus on collegiality and shared problem solving
The ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively to meet shared objectives.
Shows awareness of own strengths and areas for growth and develop and apply new skills.
Communicates effectively with a persuasive and engaging leadership style.
Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
Results
Highly evolved problem-solving skills, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure
Makes sound, accurate and informed decisions even in the absence of complete information
Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when faced with difficult situations and issues
Possesses financial acumen and budget management skills to set and deliver against financial targets
Timely, flexible and agile in responding to internal and external support requests
Business Enabler
Strategic thinker who understands the DRA vision, to identify possibilities that will create sustainable value
The ability to navigate comfortably through complex policy, processes and people related organisational dynamics
Support the implementation of systems improvement initiatives and the introduction and roll-out of new technologies across the DRRTs
