FEMA Recovery Coordinator

***This is a two-year position***
The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is dedicated to strengthening New York City’s vibrant cultural life by providing funding and support to New York City’s cultural community, including the 39 institutions that comprise the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) and more than 1,100 non-profit cultural organizations that receive regular annual support. This constituency represents a diverse array of organizations - including performing arts groups, museums, theaters, zoos, botanical gardens, visual arts and film centers, community-based organizations, and arts education programs – that are central to the life of communities in every corner of New York City. DCLA also manages a significant portfolio of cultural capital projects; provides free donated materials and supplies for arts programs and arts educators through its Materials for the Arts program; provides capacity building and technical assistance support to cultural groups; and commissions works of permanent public art through the City’s Public Art Program.
The Department of Cultural Affairs is currently seeking a FEMA Recovery Coordinator to serve as a project manager for the agency’s complex FEMA projects resulting from Hurricane Sandy.
Under direction, with wide latitude for independent judgment and decision, the FEMA Recovery Coordinator will oversee compliance, audit preparation and grants management for projects receiving grant funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The position includes difficult and complex project management work related to FEMA-recovery projects with significant financial, procedural consequences. Specific projects will include all aspects of the restoration and mitigation of damages at City-owned sites, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG); and by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) at the New York Aquarium following Hurricane Sandy, one of the largest single-site Sandy recovery projects in the City of New York. Advanced familiarity with FEMA requirements and project management will be required; Hurricane Sandy-related, NYC-specific experience is preferred.
Typical tasks will include but are not limited to the following:
Project Management:
Works directly with EDC on project management; works with other City entities and WCS and BBG to keep projects on track; collaborates with partner agencies in developing and updating tracking systems or timelines for project management.
Records Management:
Manages recordkeeping to ensure compliance with Federal and OMB requirements, including, updating Document Management and Records Tracking System (DMARTS)
Editing and Drafting:
Reviews and revises FEMA recovery documents, including documents prepared by WCS or its counsel, and organizes cross-agency review of procedural documents, memoranda, and other project materials, as needed.
Monitoring:
Monitors the process of scope development, especially change order review, including cost reasonableness and eligibility of proposed scope; works with other City entities and WCS and/or with FEMA and State teams to define damage scope and mitigation scope and review cost estimates and prepares reports and summaries.
Financial Review:
Reviews requests for financial disbursement for project work, and reimbursement requests made to FEMA.
Assessing Questions & Conferring:
Determines which questions require further analysis or review and confers with subject matter specialists, technical experts, and agency attorneys as needed.
Staying abreast of Developments in Field:
As needed, review FEMA guidance related to FEMA-specific issues and works with other City and State agencies to obtain information regarding developments in FEMA funding that might impact DCLA projects and explore grant opportunities related to disaster recovery and preparedness.
Coordinating across Agencies:
Coordinates with other City entities, such as OMB and EDC, to address specific project issues and processes, such as questions relating to procurement, change orders, etc.
Liaising:
Acts as liaison with senior management within the agency and with other operating units, such as Legal and Capital Projects.
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience working directly with the City of New York on Hurricane Sandy-related FEMA projects.
- Working knowledge of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Program.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Strong attention to detail, with excellent organizational, interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
NOTE:
Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted. For more information about DCLA, visit us at: www.nyc.gov/culture
All appointments are subject to OMB approval
COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.