Associate Director

**Introduction**:
Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) unites the skills and experience of veterans and other volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disaster.
A growing not-for-profit DRA operates across Australia to provide help and assistance to those impacted by disaster, including floods, fires and cyclones.
**Description**:
Lead. Serve. Rebuild.
Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) unites the skills and experience of military veterans and civilian volunteers to rapidly deploy disaster relief teams when communities need us most.
As part of DRA’s 2030 Strategy, we’re building a scalable, professionalised, veteran-led disaster response capability across Australia. We are now seeking a dynamic and mission-focused Associate Director - DRRT ACT to lead our ACT-based operations and strengthen national disaster readiness.
About the Role
This pivotal leadership role provides regional direction, coordination, and capability oversight for DRA’s deployable force in the ACT and surrounding regions.
You’ll be responsible for the operational readiness of the ACT Disaster Relief & Recovery Team — ensuring that our volunteers, equipment, and systems are prepared to respond effectively to disasters across the country.
When national events occur, you will act as DRA’s Liaison Officer to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) within the National Situation Room, supporting situational awareness, coordination, and multi-agency collaboration at the highest level.
Your work will balance strategic leadership with operational delivery — embedding safety, wellbeing, and continuous improvement within every aspect of DRRT operations.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and empower a diverse volunteer leadership team aligned to DRA’s values of Courage, Respect, Service, and Tenacity.
Build operational capability and readiness consistent with DRA’s Concept of Operations and training frameworks.
Serve as DRA’s Liaison Officer to NEMA during national events, ensuring effective information sharing and coordination.
Integrate wellbeing, safety, and psychosocial risk management into DRRT activities.
Partner with Field Operations and Preparedness teams to ensure seamless deployment integration and training delivery.
Build and maintain strong local partnerships with councils, NGOs, and First Nations organisations.
Oversee facilities, equipment, and logistics to support deployable readiness.
Contribute to DRA’s strategic performance reporting, readiness metrics, and lessons management systems.
**Skills and Experiences**:
About You
You’re an operational leader who thrives in complex environments. You bring structure to uncertainty, clarity to chaos, and calm to crisis. Your leadership is inclusive, grounded, and values-driven. You understand the importance of trust — within teams, communities, and agencies.
**You will bring**:
Demonstrated leadership experience in disaster relief, emergency management, humanitarian operations, defence, or similar.
Proven capability in building and managing operational teams — volunteer, hybrid, or multidisciplinary.
Strong experience in interagency coordination and emergency operations centres.
Sound understanding of WHS and psychosocial risk management principles.
Ability to balance strategy, governance, and real-time operational execution.
Familiarity with frameworks such as AIIMS, AIDR, or national emergency management standards.
High emotional intelligence, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Commitment to trauma-informed, veteran-led, and community-focused leadership.
Why Join DRA?
Be part of an organisation making a measurable impact in disaster-affected communities.
Work with passionate veterans and volunteers who embody resilience and service.
Enjoy flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.
Contribute to an ambitious national growth strategy — building capability that saves lives and restores communities.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you’re ready to lead operations that truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.
Submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining how your leadership aligns with DRA’s mission and operational values.