Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3)

GER3 Eaton Fire Recovery Program

Community Liaison

Position Description

Start date:ASAP

Duration: 10 months with possibility for extension

Location: Los Angeles area, with preference for proximity to Altadena/Pasadena area.

Compensation: To be discussed

Organization & Operation

Founded in 2017, Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3) in a non-profit organization that supports crisis-affected communities to build back better. GER3 is committed to using sustainable, culturally appropriate and community-led interventions.

The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires claimed the lives of at least 17 people and charred over 45,000 acres of land. Over 10,000 structures are reported to have been destroyed by the Eaton fire. Over 130,000 individuals have evacuated the area and face an uncertain return to their communities. More than 1.2 million people were directly impacted by the wildfires, with thousands losing their homes, farms, and businesses. Approximately 85,000 individuals sought refuge in temporary shelters, while many more were forced to relocate with relatives or friends. Many community centers, which served as gathering places and resource hubs, were either destroyed or rendered inoperable, leaving residents without critical support systems.

California’s wildfires have increasingly shifted from being rural to urban events that devastate entire residential and commercial neighborhoods, highlighting the urgent need to implement robust community emergency preparedness planning, environmental regeneration, and fire mitigation techniques. Due to the vast devastation left in the wake of the Eaton fires, GER3 is committed to addressing these challenges by implementing technical, evidence-based strategies to adapt and strengthen community resilience to fire events, incorporating fire-resistant building techniques, public education, and nature-based solutions.

Position Overview

The Community Liaison plays a vital role in bridging GER3’s mission with the needs of the community, serving as the primary external representative for the Eaton Fire Recovery Program. This role involves engaging with local stakeholders, attending community events, fostering partnerships, advocating for community needs, and ensuring transparent communication between GER3 and the communities we serve. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, relationship-builder, and advocate, capable of facilitating meaningful collaboration between GER3 and local organizations, residents, and other recovery stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Representation:

• Serve as the primary external representative of GER3 in the Eaton Fire Recovery Program.
• Attend community events, town halls, symposiums, and gatherings to gather information, represent GER3, and communicate our activities, goals, and impact.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with local community members, leaders, and organizations.
• Identify and advocate for community needs, ensuring they are communicated effectively to the GER3 team.
• Act as the main point of contact for community inquiries, providing timely and accurate information.
• Mediate and address community concerns or conflicts related to GER3’s work.

Partnership Development & Collaboration:

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, NGOs, and businesses to enhance GER3’s impact.
• Identify collaborative opportunities that align with GER3’s mission and the community’s needs.
• Support with coordination of activities with external partners to ensure efficient recovery efforts.

Event Coordination & Outreach:

• Organize and facilitate events as needed, including informational sessions, workshops, and community meetings.
• Support in the development and distribution of public-facing materials, including flyers, newsletters, and digital content.
• Assist in creating and implementing community outreach campaigns to enhance visibility and engagement.
• Support the Training Manager and the Program Coordinator in development and execution of community training events.
• Serve as a trusted resource for accurate and timely recovery information, ensuring clear and effective messaging to the community.
• Ensure community outreach efforts are inclusive and accessible to diverse populations, including underserved or vulnerable groups

Internal Coordination & Reporting:

• Maintain regular communication between the GER3 team and external stakeholders to align on key priorities and initiatives.
• Attend and contribute to internal and external meetings, ensuring that community perspectives are integrated into program planning.
• Support the development of program reports, assessments, and evaluations as needed.

Data Collection & Impact Measurement:

• Support with community needs assessments to gather real-time insights on evolving priorities, as needed.
• Support in collection of feedback and testimonials from residents to measure program effectiveness, as needed.
• Maintain an up-to-date stakeholder database and map of partner organizations, community leaders, public and private entities, and others as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 3-5 years’ experience in community engagement, public relations, or disaster recovery programs.
• Strong ability to build trust and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Experience in event coordination, outreach, and stakeholder management.
• Ability to identify and address community needs proactively.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of disaster recovery, humanitarian work, or community-based initiatives (preferred).
• Comfortable working in post-disaster environments and adapting to evolving priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and digital communication tools.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the community as needed.

Preferred

• Resident or former resident of Altadena
• Fire survivor

Work Conditions:

• Field-based role with frequent community engagements.
• Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on community events and program needs.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Reporting Lines:

This position will report directly to the GER3 Program Lead.

Schedule:

This position will be a fixed-term employment until February 28, 2026, with the possibility for extension.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to recruitment@ger3.org no later than Friday, April 18, with "Community Liaison" as the subject title of your email.