Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) Coordinator 

Position Overview

The VOAD Coordinator provides countywide leadership, coordination, and operational oversight for Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) activities across preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, and resilience. The position serves as a central coordination point for VOAD member organizations to County and City partners, emergency management agencies, community organizations, and philanthropic partners, ensuring an organized, integrated, and equitable approach to the full disaster cycle. A core responsibility of the role is ensuring at-risk and underserved populations throughout San Luis Obispo County in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Disaster Response & Recovery

The VOAD Coordinator ensures that all disaster response and recovery activities are aligned with the county Offices of Emergency Service (OES). The role maintains operational readiness, supports activation procedures, and ensures effective coordination among nonprofit, governmental, and community partners before, during, and after disasters.

· Oversee, organize, and coordinate VOAD response activities, including support for VOAD subcommittees during activations.

· Work with The Community Foundation in coordination with the VOAD Chair (Currently United Way SLO CEO) and the VOAD Steering Committee to define operational objectives and ensure a coordinated response.

· Support the VOAD Chair (Currently United Way SLO CEO) in the county EOC Liaison role and serve as the VOAD Disaster Coordinator.

· Work with county OES to coordinate support at the Local Assistance Center during disaster responses as capacity permits for VOAD members.

· Maintain, update, and refine disaster activation guides and response protocols based on lessons learned.

· Schedule and facilitate activation exercises and tabletop drills for VOAD

· Lead or support interim and long-term recovery coordination, including unmet needs assessment and establishment of Long-Term Recovery Groups.

· Prepare after-action reports and collect data to document VOAD activities and outcomes.

This position requires availability for extended hours, evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities during active disaster responses.

Preparedness & Resilience

This position coordinates VOAD agencies to help with preparedness planning, training, and education efforts designed to strengthen community readiness and resilience across San Luis Obispo County. In collaboration with County OES, schools, community-based organizations, vulnerable population groups, and neighboring VOADs, the role ensures preparedness initiatives are consistent, accessible, and equitable.

· Coordinate and help develop Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for VOAD and Nonprofit Agencies.

· Oversee preparedness subcommittees and working groups focused on education and outreach, shelter support, and neighborhood resilience.

· Develop and support preparedness trainings, exercises, and technical assistance for VOAD partners.

· Collaborate with County to align preparedness messaging and public communication.

· Advance resilience initiatives that prioritize inclusion of underserved and vulnerable populations.

· Work with local nonprofit agencies to ensure a coordinated and collective approach to disaster preparedness and resilience.

Program Development & Evaluation

The VOAD Coordinator supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of VOAD programs to ensure effectiveness, accountability, and alignment with strategic goals. Equity, resilience, language access, and inclusive program design are embedded across all initiatives.

· Implement strategies and initiatives identified in the VOAD strategic plan.

· Direct VOAD initiatives supporting resilience, equity, and inclusion across all disaster phases.

· Identify and leverage state and national expertise to strengthen local systems.

· Support performance measurement, evaluation tools, data collection, and reporting.

Member Engagement & Partnerships

The Coordinator strengthens VOAD’s collaborative capacity by cultivating strong member relationships and cross-sector partnerships that reflect the diversity and needs of communities throughout San Luis Obispo County.

· Conduct outreach across sectors to expand and strengthen VOAD membership.

· Plan and facilitate quarterly general VOAD meetings, subcommittee meetings, and capacity-building activities.

· Provide support for VOAD Steering Committee meetings.

· Maintain the VOAD Member Resource Directory and disaster service capability information.

· Engage members to identify emerging disaster-related needs and coordinate collective solutions.

· Partner and coordinate with Santa Barbara and Ventura County VOADs to align regional disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts and share resources and best practices.

Communications & Administration

The VOAD Coordinator maintains communication systems and administrative processes essential to effective VOAD coordination before, during, and after disasters.

· Provide timely, vetted information to VOAD members across all phases of disaster.

· Research and Implement VOAD best practices for VOAD Technology Platforms.

· Maintain VOAD communication platforms, including the website, social media, and listserv.

· Develop messaging materials, tools, and resources related to VOAD initiatives and outreach.

· Plan and convene executive committee meetings, subcommittee meetings, trainings, and events for VOAD

· Support documentation, reporting, and administrative functions necessary for VOAD operations.

· Attend emergency management and disaster planning meetings as requested.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience; demonstrated experience in disaster management, emergency services, nonprofit coordination, or a related field; strong facilitation, communication, and project management skills; familiarity with emergency management systems and interagency coordination; proficiency in Microsoft Outlook 365 and Google Docs (Google Workspace); and the ability to work extended hours during disaster activations.

Preferred qualifications include experience working with VOADs or Long-Term Recovery Groups; multilingual or bilingual skills; and experience advancing equity, accessibility, and inclusive practices in disaster preparedness and recovery.

Work Environment

This position is primarily in-person with limited hybrid flexibility and is not fully remote. Regular travel throughout San Luis Obispo County is required. Availability for extended hours during emergency activations is required.

Pay: $25.00 – $30.00 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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