The purpose of this position is to support the coordination of the LSC 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Project engaged in by Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (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.
FRLS Disaster Recovery project for Hurricane Ian survivors provides no-cost comprehensive legal services and community outreach to help low-income individuals and households during their disaster recovery. Legal services to be provided include but are not limited to foreclosures; bankruptcies; flood insurance; proof of loss preparation and FEMA Flood Directorate Appeals; FEMA recoupment defense; applications for disaster tax relief; civil and disability rights cases; legal counsel for community-based organizations on rebuilding plans; litigation to redress systemic disaster response problems; landlord/tenant issues concerning repair issues, non-repair, mold concealment, etc.; disputes regarding home elevation certificates and flood plain zoning; disputes regarding significant damage determination against homeowners; and family and education issues. FRLS will take a holistic approach and offer all legal aid services that are available to 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 and Immokalee, which serves Florida’s statewide farmworkers. The Disaster Project Manager will prepare the disaster response and management plan to include measures to provide disaster-related legal services safely to our clients who remain impacted by Hurricane Ian's devastation.
Essential Functions
A. Project Coordination
1. Implement, monitor, and adjust project plan performance (timeline, budget, resource utilization and achievement of milestones), for the LSC 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Project.
2. Coordinate with vendors and contractors to develop requests for information (RFI) and vendor requests for proposal (RFP) processes in support of this project.
3. Identify barriers to success in completion of the LSC 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Project or other unmet needs. Organize colleagues to develop a response to these barriers or unmet needs. Engage in continued assessment of the project to identify whether shifts or modifications are needed.
4. Support the project team to build the alignment, buy-in, and support of diverse project stakeholders by establishing and maintaining relationships inside and outside the organization.
5. Make decisions promptly, delegating assignments and obtaining input from staff where appropriate.
B. Productivity
1. Report weekly to Managing Attorney and other project team members on the status of the project plan.
2. Support Managing Attorney in implementation of the operational project as needed to ensure project and organizational success.
3. Participate in legal work management meetings.
4. Coordinate response with project team members to ensure deliverables within project plan have clear written guidance and path to completion.
5. Work with team to support FRLS statewide conferences, trainings, and outreach events.
6. Promote good relations with the public, including client groups, service providers, press and private bar.
C. Professional Growth Areas
1. Gain and enhance technical knowledge as it relate to deployment of mobile intake and outreach, and maintenance to ensure best practices.
2. Exercise sound judgment and articulate well-informed and objective recommendations.
3. Organize successful meetings and coordination with fiscal, administrative, and other essential staff for full project implementation.
D. Regulatory/compliance with funding sources/legal compliance
1. Maintain familiarity with FRLS’s policies, procedures, and office systems, and adhere to standards set forth in personnel policies and procedures manual.
2. Maintain a reliable work schedule sufficient to ensure completion of tasks; maintain accurate records of time worked for each workday on timesheet.
3. Track and report on key metrics and communicate findings to FRLS leadership and designated staff. Metrics will be identified by the project team.
4. Maintain familiarity with regulations and guidance related to the LSC 2022 Disaster Supplemental Appropriation Project and help to ensure project meets or exceeds expectations by managing milestones and deliverables, providing performance feedback to supervisors of project team personnel, and providing guidance to FRLS leadership on tasks managed and performed by project team staff.
5. Provide timely reports, documentation, statistical information, and other records as required by the grantor, public relations, Managing Attorney, or Executive Director.
6. Keep central administration informed of issues relating to the effectiveness of the Disaster Recovery Project and individual staff.
7. Become familiar with FRLS’s policies, as well as requirements of LSC, and facilitate these policies and requirements within the Disaster Recovery Project.
1. Demonstrated commitment to service on behalf of people in poverty and appreciation for the importance of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
2. Bachelor’s Degree in relevant subject areas, or significant field and practical experience.
3. Demonstrated experience managing diverse projects to range from infrastructure projects to personnel deployment and efficient and effective use of resources.
4. Excellent organizational skills.
5. A high level of comfort with technology and systems design.
6. Ability to evaluate and analyze varied proposals/solutions to improve business processes, including the ability to efficiently and effectively maximize the use of existing resources.
7. Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
8. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Legal Server software.
9. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with multiple audiences, including peers, supervisors, clients, and the public.
10. Must be able to effectively work in high-pressure situations which involve deadlines.
11. Ability to work with diverse groups of people
12. Ability to travel to various job sites throughout FRLS’s service areas.
13. Ability to work flexible hours of the day, Monday through Friday, with some weekends, depending on the needs of the agency.
14. Preferred but not required:
a. Experience in a disaster related legal services or legal service-public interest environment or other similar public interest environment.
Working conditions
This position operates in a professional work environment. This work will be coordinated to occur both in the office and in the field.
Physical requirements
1. Must be able to drive a vehicle.
2. Must be able to take clear written notes and type (for data entry purposes).
3. Must be able to lift boxes, equipment, and other items on occasion.
Reports
1. Monthly progress reports.
2. Grant Reporting and Compliance Reports
Direct reports
To be determined based on whether an attorney and Florida Bar status.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $85,000 up to $100,000 based on experience. FRLS offers a very generous benefits package that includes 403(b) with employer-paid contribution; health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays). FRLS Project Manager operates in an in-office environment, requiring work in their assigned office five days a week.
EEOC Statement
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc., does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other characteristic protected by federal, state of local law.