World Central Kitchen is seeking a tenacious and adaptable Response Director who excels at quick, strategic decision-making, thrives at triaging competing priorities, and is a master at building relationships, leading and motivating large teams, and teaching a diverse team of people.
The Response Director embraces chaos and ambiguity while implementing WCK responses, and oversees all ground activities of the activation.
The Response Director is responsible for ensuring food aid rapidly reaches communities in need in alignment with WCK's North Star values.
Duration: The Response Director is a three (3) year term contract position with the opportunity for renewal, offering a unique chance to lead and shape WCK's responses.
This position reports directly to the Chief Relief Officer.
Preferred Location(s): Europe - Must live within one (1) hour of an international airport.
- Madrid, Spain - London, England - Frankfurt, Germany - Lisbon, Portugal - Athens, Greece - Rome, Italy
Key Responsibilities: Activation Management: Respond within four (4) hours notice to a disaster area to act as Response Director, managing relief operations on the ground, or in rare cases, remotely. Direct Activation Managers and oversee the work of their teams, including Culinary, Distribution, Community Outreach, and Procurement/Logistics.
Manage multiple additional departments represented on the ground, when needed. Ensure strategic and streamlined implementation of relief activities on the ground, operationalizing WCK's North Star. Build and train local teams to meet our human capacity needs to feed the need, embracing our accordion model. Direct the scope of responses, programmatic changes, and activation timelines, in conjunction with the Chief Relief Officer. Facilitate and implement cross-departmental collaboration and information sharing between WCK departments and Activation Managers on and off activation. Ensure smooth transitions and complete handovers with other Response Directors and between Activation Managers. Complete the After-Action Report process immediately following activation wind-down. Budgeting and Logistics: Work with the finance team to share cost projections for activations, focusing on meal production and logistical needs. Adhere to WCK's financial policies while adapting to on-the-ground requirements. Collaborate with the procurement and logistics team to source materials and supplies efficiently. Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with local communities first. Ensure the teams conduct outreach and engagement activities that contribute to WCK's reputation. Represent WCK in the field, acting as an ambassador to beneficiaries, partners, and the media. Requirements: Ability to spend up to 70% of the time in the field.
The typical duration of an activation is four (4) weeks, though timelines could be longer. Must live within one (1) hour of an international airport or be willing to relocate. Willingness and ability to travel frequently to remote and potentially hazardous locations within four (4) hours notice. Masters degree and/or equivalent preferred, or 10+ years of experience in management roles, preferably in fast-paced, ever-changing environments. Excellent training and coaching skills, and experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage and coordinate with diverse stakeholders. Ability to work independently with minimal infrastructure, amenities and resources. Willingness to work in challenging environments with austere living conditions. Demonstrated negotiation and diplomacy skills in complex situations. Exhibit a calm and composed demeanor during crisis situations. Be physically fit and have the stamina to work long hours doing physically demanding tasks. Strong mental resilience and emotional intelligence to cope with stressors associated with working in conflict environments. Display cultural awareness and sensitivity. Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable. The role of Response Director is critical in ensuring that WCK's relief operations are effective, responsive, and accountable, following through on our commitment to communities in need, and upholding the high standards of the organization, guided always by WCK's North Star.
Application & Cover Letter This application requires a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and in working for WCK.
References and Background Checks To help ensure the safety of our communities and our teams, our selection process will include reference and background checks, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements.
Equal Opportunity WCK is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity and to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the country in which they reside.
Contract Type (If based outside United States or Spain) We are excited to offer an opportunity for this role in partnership with Velocity Global and TCW Global.
If based outside of the United States or Spain, depending on location, the successful candidate will be contracted by either VG or TCW.
Benefits Why Join Us? Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity and innovation. Global Impact: Your work will have a direct impact on building a diverse and talented global team. Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career development. Dynamic Team: Work with a supportive and enthusiastic team that values collaboration and fun. If you're ready to bring your unique talents to a role that's as challenging as it is rewarding, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and let's build the future of World Central Kitchen together!
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