Communications Specialist (Emergency Management/Emergency Preparedness) - OnDek Solutions

Our organization is committed to fostering a culture of preparedness and boosting resilience in communities nationwide against natural disasters. Through public outreach and active stakeholder collaboration, we raise awareness of disaster-related risks and empowers individuals, organizations, and communities to take action. Partnering with volunteer-driven local groups, we ensure every community sector is involved in the preparedness journey.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize data to design programs aimed at supporting populations most affected by disasters.
  
• Build partnerships with K-12 schools and youth organizations to expand disaster preparedness programs for young people.
  
• Collaborate with emergency management organizations at the state, local, and tribal levels to enhance partnerships with FEMA Region II.
  
• Provide training and outreach to community-based organizations and private sector partners to bolster their emergency resilience.
  
• Support community initiatives such as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to strengthen and expand local disaster preparedness efforts.
  
• Engage with Whole Community partners like youth organizations, faith-based institutions, private businesses, and disability advocacy groups to promote preparedness at regional and local levels.
  
• Assist in national and local campaigns, including National Preparedness Month and severe weather awareness initiatives.
  
• Update and refine preparedness messages, coordinating with state and local stakeholders to ensure relevance.
  
• Work alongside FEMA’s internal teams to enhance outreach, preparedness messaging, and media strategies for state agencies.
  
• Provide technical assistance and support to organizations seeking to launch youth preparedness programs.
  
• Support FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Councils and their related projects at both the National and Regional levels.
  
• Foster strategic partnerships with state, local, tribal, and territorial preparedness programs to support citizen-driven efforts like Citizen Corps and CERT initiatives.
  

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
  
• 3+ years of experience in stakeholder engagement.
  
• Proficiency in crafting content for internal and external audiences (reports, newsletters, presentations).
  
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
  
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
  
• Experience in marketing or public relations to support communication strategies.
  
• Demonstrated project management experience with a track record of leading initiatives.
  
• Ability to showcase multitasking abilities and examples of problem-solving.
  

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship required / Background check required.
  
• Active DHS EOD/Suitability is an advantage.
  
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
  
• Excellent time management and organizational capabilities.
  
• High attention to detail with a capacity to adapt creatively to challenges.
  
• Knowledge of emergency management processes at federal, state, local, or tribal levels.
  
• Familiarity with FEMA’s role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
  
• Completion of ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 courses is preferred.