D

Director Aerial and Spatial Analysis Team / 135,000 p.a. + super

Disaster Relief Australia
Full-time
On-site
Introduction

Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) unites the skills and experience of veterans and other volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disaster. 

A growing not-for-profit DRA operates across Australia to provide help and assistance to those impacted by disaster, including floods, fires and cyclones. 

If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy a challenge and are ready to work for an organisation that is built to serve alongside likeminded people, apply now. 



Description

The Director of Aerial and Spatial Analysis Team (ASAT) is responsible for leading DRA’s ASAT capabilities, ensuring the successful integration and operation of both volunteer and At Cost Model services.

This role engages across DRA’s Field Operations, Preparedness and Disaster Relief and Recovery Teams and encompasses overseeing the ASAT capabilities, focusing on the operational deployment of Aerial Damage Assessment Teams (ADAT) and leading the Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) team.

The Director will ensure regulatory compliance, safety standards, and the continuous development of both staff and systems. Additionally, the role involves stakeholder management, business development, and training coordination to support disaster response operations. 

 

Key accountabilities 

DRA’s organisational culture 

  • Lead by example in adhering to DRA’s values of Courage, Respect, Service and Tenacity and support a positive, values-based culture across the organisation. 

  • Champion a culture of transparency, integrity and accountability within DRA, embedding organisational values into decision-making processes at all levels. 

  • Work collegiately with other teams and stakeholders to pursue DRA’s vision and realise its overarching strategic goals. 

  • Cultivate a high-performing team, establishing, empowering and holding members accountable for performance. 

  • Work collegiately with other teams and stakeholders to pursue DRA’s vision and realise its overarching strategic goals. 

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with commercial and volunteer partners. 

  • Oversee recruitment, training, and management of both paid and volunteer teams (Remote Pilots, GIS Analysts, Image Analysts). 

  • Ensure operational excellence and adherence to safety and regulatory standards in aerial and spatial data collection. 

  • Direct the management of mission-critical assets (equipment, software, etc.) to ensure readiness for deployment. 

  • Oversee and manage external training collaborations with RTOs and internal training for DRA personnel. 

  • Develop and manage operational reports on ADA, ensuring clear and actionable insights for the Head of Operations. 

 

Key challenges of the position 

  • Balancing the needs of both commercial and volunteer components of the organisation. 

  • Ensuring seamless integration and coordination between operational deployment and commercial growth. 

  • Managing the diverse needs of internal and external stakeholders, including governmental and partner organisations. 

  • Adhering to stringent regulatory and safety requirements in both commercial and volunteer operations. 

 

Capabilities for the role

- Experience flying commercially in controlled airspace (drones or manned aircraft) is required

- Australian citizenship (full working rights) and eligibility CASA clearance is required due to nature of the role

Personal attributes: 

  • Commitment to finding new and better ways for the organisation to be successful.  

  • Ability to anticipate and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders.   

  • Ability to operate with a high degree of integrity and transparency.  

  • Demonstrated ability to create a culture and climate where people are motivated to deliver DRA’s objectives.  

  • Highly developed interpersonal and management skills.  

  • Personal and team growth mindset. 

 

Relationships: 

  • An organisation first mindset, with a strong focus on collegiality and shared problem solving.  

  • Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively to meet shared objectives.  

  • Fosters a customer-centric culture to deliver solutions to needs. 

  • Show awareness of own strengths and areas for growth with a desire to develop and apply new skills.  

  • Communicates effectively with a personable and engaging leadership style.  

  • Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people. 

 

Results:  

  • Successfully lead and grow the ASAT capabilities to deliver high-quality disaster intelligence services. 

  • Achieve operational excellence, ensuring timely and efficient disaster response operations. 

  • Build sustainable business development across DRA’s ASAT capabilities. 

  • Maintain a strong safety culture and adherence to industry regulations. 

 

Business enablers: 

  • Makes sound and timely decisions to keep the organisation moving towards achieving objectives. 

  • Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple internal and external stakeholders. 

  • Strategic, curious and creative thinker who understands the DRA vision and identifies possibilities that create sustainable value.  

 

Salary: Up to $135,000 p.a. + super + salary packaging, extra 2 weeks paid volunteer leave

Location: Flexible, Remote role (or hybrid if close to our offices)

Start: ASAP