Disaster Recovery Public Assistance Director

Michael Baker International; Linthicum (MD); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Baker International, via Tidal Basin Government Consulting, seeks a Public Assistance Director to lead FEMA PA programs for SLTT clients. You will provide senior-level guidance, oversee complex disaster recovery engagements, and build high‑performing teams across multiple projects.

You will advise senior clients, coordinate with FEMA and state/local partners, ensure compliance, and travel as needed to disaster sites and client locations.

Qualifications

• Ten (10)+ years directly supporting FEMA Public Assistance programs.
• Ten (10)+ years of management and leadership experience.
• Experience managing complex disaster recovery projects.
• Experience defending eligibility and funding positions with FEMA.
• Experience advising SLTT leadership and FEMA.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-stakeholder programs.
• Strong executive-level communication and written skills.
• Willingness to travel 25%–50% as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for FEMA Public Assistance programs and disaster recovery engagements.
• Lead PA project teams including managers, technical specialists, grant staff, and PMs.
• Set project priorities, staffing, performance expectations, and delivery standards.
• Guide complex PA eligibility, documentation, procurement, cost reasonableness, and compliance matters.
• Oversee development of PA projects, reimbursement requests, and grant management activities.
• Engage with senior government officials and FEMA representatives; manage client relationships.
• Mentor staff; ensure documentation quality and adherence to requirements.
• Travel to client and disaster-affected locations as needed.

Job description

Michael Baker International, via Tidal Basin Government Consulting, seeks a Public Assistance Director to lead FEMA PA programs for SLTT clients. You will provide senior-level guidance, oversee complex disaster recovery engagements, and build high‑performing teams across multiple projects.

You will advise senior clients, coordinate with FEMA and state/local partners, ensure compliance, and travel as needed to disaster sites and client locations.