Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Location: Hybrid (U.S. Citizens Only)

Organization: World Disaster Center (WDC)

About Us:

The World Disaster Center (WDC) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to ending the impacts of disasters through innovative technologies, real-time insights, and collaborative partnerships. We empower communities and organizations worldwide to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters effectively. Our work spans multiple continents and relies on forward-thinking solutions, partnerships, and strategic resource mobilization to build safer, more resilient communities.

Role Summary:

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will play a central role in ensuring the smooth, strategic, and efficient operations of WDC. This executive-level position combines high-level administrative oversight with strategic operational management. The CAO will work closely with the Board of Directors, Operations & Logistics Coordinator, and partner organizations, providing leadership in administrative processes, organizational compliance, and strategic negotiation for funding opportunities.

This role is ideal for a highly capable, forward-thinking U.S. citizen who believes in the transformative power of technology and global disaster preparedness. It is a unique opportunity to shape an organization at the forefront of international disaster management, even if initially unpaid.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day administrative operations, ensuring organizational efficiency and alignment with WDC’s strategic goals.
• Manage scheduling, correspondence, and internal/external communications with precision and professionalism.
• Maintain, organize, and secure critical records, project documentation, and reports.
• Support human resources processes including onboarding, attendance records, and staff coordination.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and international regulatory frameworks.

Financial & Strategic Oversight

• Collaborate with the finance team to manage budgeting, bookkeeping, and financial documentation.
• Assist in preparing financial reports and coordinating audits or compliance reviews.
• Support strategic fundraising efforts, including negotiating U.S. funding opportunities via taxpayer-related programs and liaising with governmental or institutional donors.

Logistics & Partner Support

• Coordinate logistics for meetings, events, conferences, and travel arrangements.
• Oversee procurement, vendor management, and partnership contracts.
• Support Operations & Logistics Coordinator in disaster tracking, document organization, recruitment, and operational execution.
• Provide technological insight to optimize administrative systems and support partners in implementing innovative solutions.

Collaboration & Strategic Influence

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to implement organizational priorities and operational strategies.
• Liaise with international teams, partners, and stakeholders, demonstrating strong intercultural communication and negotiation skills.
• Act as a key advisor on administrative and operational best practices, promoting a culture of excellence, innovation, and impact.

Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in administrative or executive management roles, preferably in non-profits, international organizations, or disaster management sectors.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with professional negotiation capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with project management, CRM, and document management tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and time zones.
• Strong understanding of international dynamics and cross-cultural operational environments.
• Experience in disaster management, humanitarian operations, or technology-driven organizational processes is a plus.
• Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to integrate innovative technologies to improve administrative and operational workflows.

Compensation & Advantages:

• Initially, this position may be unpaid, but it offers significant strategic and professional advantages:
• • Direct collaboration with the Board of Directors and international stakeholders.
  • Exposure to global disaster management operations and cutting-edge technology initiatives.
  • Leadership experience in a high-impact, fast-growing non-profit organization.
  • Opportunities to negotiate and secure funding through U.S. and international programs.
  • High visibility and credibility in the international humanitarian and disaster response space.
• Potential for future paid opportunities as the organization grows and secures additional funding.

Why Join Us:

At WDC, you will be part of a visionary, high-impact team committed to building safer, more resilient communities worldwide. We value innovation, collaboration, and dedication to social impact. As the Chief Administrative Officer, you will have a direct influence on global operations, international partnerships, and the strategic growth of WDC. This is an opportunity for a highly capable, committed U.S. citizen—an A-player—to drive meaningful change in disaster preparedness and response on a global scale.