Disaster Project Manager

Disaster Project Manager

Join to apply for the Disaster Project Manager role at Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS).

The purpose of this position is to support the coordination of the LSC 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Project engaged in by FRLS, by implementing project plans and coordinating resources to ensure the successful implementation of the project to support FRLS disaster response efforts stemming from Hurricane Ian. The FRLS Disaster Recovery project will provide no‑cost legal community outreach and comprehensive legal services to help low‑income individuals and households during their disaster recovery.

Legal services to be provided include foreclosures, bankruptcies, flood insurance proof of loss preparation, FEMA Flood Directorate appeals, FEMA recoupment defense, applications for disaster tax relief, civil and disability rights cases, local organization counseling on rebuilding plans, litigation to redress systemic disaster response problems, landlord/tenant issues concerning repair, mold concealment and other disputes, and family, custody and education matters. FRLS will take a holistic approach and offer all available legal aid services to meet individual household needs.

The Disaster Project Manager will prepare the plan, establish procedures, mobilize resources, and oversee the framework of outreach, training, and response for FRLS’s hardest‑hit areas, including Immokalee, which serves Florida’s statewide farm workers. The Manager will develop a disaster response and management plan to provide safe, timely legal services to clients impacted by Hurricane Ian’s devastation.

• Implement, monitor, and adjust project plan performance (timeline, budget, resource utilization, and achievement of milestones).
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors to develop RFI and RFP processes.
• Identify barriers to success, organize staff responses, and assess project shifts or modifications.
• Build alignment, buy‑in, and support among diverse stakeholders by establishing and maintaining relationships inside and outside the organization.
• Make timely decisions, delegate assignments, and obtain appropriate staff input.
• Report weekly to the Managing Attorney and other project team members on project status.
• Support the Managing Attorney in implementing the operational project to ensure success.
• Participate in legal work management meetings.
• Coordinate response with team members to ensure clear guidance and path to completion for project deliverables.
• Assist the team with statewide conferences, trainings, and outreach events.
• Promote good relations with the public, client groups, service providers, press, and private bar.
• Maintain a reliable work schedule and accurately record time on timesheets.
• Track and report key metrics and communicate findings to FRLS leadership and staff.
• Provide timely reports, documentation, statistical information, and other records as required by the grantor, public relations, Managing Attorney, or Executive Director.
• Keep central administration informed of issues affecting the Disaster Recovery Project and individual staff.

• Project coordination experience and ability to implement project plans.
• Demonstrated experience managing diverse, multi‑faceted projects.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Comfort with technology and system design.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Legal Server software.
• Ability to evaluate proposals and improve business processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Strong ability to handle high‑pressure deadlines.
• Travel flexibility within FRLS service areas.
• Experience in disaster‑related legal services or public‑interest legal environment is preferred.

• Commitment to serving people in poverty and appreciation for the importance of the legal system.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work in high‑pressure, deadline‑driven environments.
• Capacity to work with diverse groups…