Director - Crisis Response

• Join the world’s largest humanitarian movement and lead Australian Red Cross’s response to emergencies and events impacting communities
• Full time, ongoing role
• VIC, QLD, NSW, ACT or SA location + hybrid working

About Australian Red Cross

We are part of the world’s largest humanitarian movement. We support and empower people and communities in times of vulnerability. We act for humanity.

Australian Red Cross plays a pivotal role in supporting communities, closely integrated with emergency management arrangements at all levels of government. With a strong focus on psychosocial wellbeing and social cohesion, we respond to a wide range of crises that impact communities, whether as a result of natural hazard or other impacts.

About the role

As the Director, Crisis Response, you will play a pivotal operational leadership role in delivering Australian Red Cross’ response, relief and short-term recovery efforts during times of crisis. Overseeing the deployment of a nationally distributed workforce of staff and volunteers, you will ensure Australian Red Cross remains prepared, agile and ready to support communities when they need it most.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic and operational leadership. You will drive the ongoing evolution of our crisis response capabilities, contribute to sector-wide thinking and advocacy, and lead innovation to meet emerging community needs. Working across the organisation and with key external partners, you will strengthen preparedness to respond and ensure our response services remain impactful, sustainable and community-centred.

This role requires domestic travel across the country and particularly during times of response.

About you

You are an experienced leader with demonstrated expertise in crisis management and the strategic oversight of large-scale operational activities. You have a strong track record in workforce leadership, team development and coaching, as well as coordinating complex initiatives across organisations and sectors.

Your ability to build and maintain productive partnerships across community, business and government stakeholders has supported successful outcomes, including the identification and delivery of revenue-generating opportunities. Complementing this experience is a sound understanding of the needs of individuals, families and communities affected by disasters.

You’ll demonstrate:

• Advanced relationship management and influencing skills with ability to negotiate and liaise effectively with Government (State and Local), partner organisations, corporates and across the Movement.
• Highly developed judgement and business acumen, with a proven ability to make informed, data-driven decisions based on evidence and insights
• Strong analysis, planning, budgeting and reporting skills.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills, with demonstrated experience representing organisations and engaging stakeholders across local, national and international settings
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of autonomy under broad direction, using initiative to advance and execute strategy, while remaining adaptable, resilient and effective both independently and as a collaborative team member
• Well-developed financial management skills and organisational acumen.
• Ability to monitor external trends and emerging issues affecting the organisation and proactively identify opportunities to shape and influence the broader operating environment
• Highly developed capability in addressing complex challenges through innovative and evidence-based approaches, coupled with proven success in leading and maximising the performance of large and diverse teams
• Demonstrated capability to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and compliance frameworks/standards.

Benefits that act for you, while you act for humanity

Work flexibility: Australian Red Cross offers flexible & hybrid working designed to balance flexibility with purposeful in-office collaboration; strengthen team culture, build trust, and drive engagement.

Financial wellbeing: In addition to your salary, you can take advantage of salary packaging that could provide you with a great way to reduce the amount of tax you pay - and get more from your salary. You can salary package up to $15,900 for living expenses (such as rent, groceries, utility bills); up to $2,650 for holiday accommodation and meals when dining out; Novated car leases; superannuation and purchase additional annual leave.

Life, Health & Wellbeing: You can access a paid ‘Me’ day just for you and a wide range of other paid leave options. You can also tap into specialist health and wellbeing advice via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, Converge International.

Career development: Access to ongoing learning, training, and development.

Further information

This role is covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award - Level 8. Competitive salary + superannuation + salary packaging options.

To find out more about this opportunity or to obtain a copy of the Position Description, please email Claire Wolczak on cwolczak@redcross.org.au

Applications must be submitted online prior to 11.55pm AEST on Sunday, 30 August 2026 to be considered for this role.

While we appreciate all interest in our organisation, we won’t engage with or accept candidates from agencies or consulting firms on this occasion.

Job Ref# 13693

Red Cross strives to create a safe and inclusive culture with wellbeing at its centre. We embrace diversity and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with diverse lived experiences, abilities, genders, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations. We are a child safe organisation with zero tolerance of any harm to children. Our vision is to be trusted as the leading humanitarian organisation making a genuine difference in the lives of people and communities.

Thank you for considering a career at Red Cross. We also have great opportunities to volunteer. Click here to find out more.