About the Role
The American Red Cross is seeking a highly adaptable and mission-driven Regional Program Specialist - Reserve to support our Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) programs in overseas locations. SAF reserve staff are typically assigned to short-term deployments of approximately 6 months plus 9 weeks of remote training on a part-time basis, 2 weeks of in-person training and mandatory paid time off at the end of the assignment. In between deployment assignments, reserve staff are considered inactive and are not paid until they begin a new deployment rotation. This role is not eligible for relocation assistance. In this unique and critical role, you will deploy to a U.S. military installation in the Middle East, Africa, or Eastern Europe. Candidates must be prepared to live and work on a military base, adhere to military rules and customs, and operate in dynamic and austere environments. This position is part of our mobile staff which requires meeting strict medical and security clearances prior to employment.
Responsibilities
- Manages and administers the delivery of American Red Cross services to meet the needs of United States military members, veterans, and their families.
- Manages and administers American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and International Services (IS) U.S. programs and services including International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Youth Action Campaign (YAC) and Restoring Family Links (RFL).
- Facilitates the delivery of emergency communication messages and related support services to military members and their families.
- Coordinates and conducts follow-up services with clients and ensures all activities are logged and documented.
- Maintains operational awareness by updating rosters, unit contacts, and case logs.
- Supports contingency operations during high-volume events and serves as the local liaison for Hero Care casework.
- Monitors service delivery outcomes and ensures accurate documentation and reporting of program activities.
- Identifies trends, assesses service needs, and contributes recommendations for program improvement.
- Collaborates with Red Cross leadership on deployment feedback, staff mentorship, and onboarding support for mobile team members.
- Assists with travel coordination, logistics, and reporting for mobile deployments.
- Builds strong and sustained relationships with military leadership, command staff, and installation partners.
- Conducts outreach through command briefings, education sessions, presentations, and one-on-one engagements.
- Increases Red Cross visibility using Armed Forces Network, base bulletins, social media, and approved local marketing channels.
- Represents the Red Cross at official functions, ceremonies, and community events.
- Manages all phases of the volunteer engagement cycle: recruitment, onboarding, training, supervision, recognition, and offboarding.
- Recruits and mentors leadership volunteers to support Red Cross program delivery across SAF/IS, Disaster Cycle Services, Training Services, and Blood Services.
- Utilizes the Volunteer Connection platform to manage volunteer documentation, communication, and compliance.
- Promotes a positive, inclusive volunteer environment aligned with Red Cross values.
- Ensures consistent and high-quality delivery of Red Cross programs to service members, veterans, and their families.
- Supervises volunteer service delivery teams to ensure strong program impact and alignment with mission needs.
- Coordinates educational briefings, community workshops, and special events supporting SAF/IS objectives.
- Provides family support services including wellness check-ins, emergency communications, and referrals to community resources.
- Promotes and implements International Services programs within the local community.
- Serves as a deployable member of the SAF Mobile Team for a 6-month overseas assignment.
- Supports U.S. military operations across the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
- Lives and works on military installations, following all base policies, customs, and operational requirements.
- Maintains full deployment readiness, including required medical clearances, training certifications, and security standards.
- Supports emergency, surge, and disaster operations as part of the Hero Care Network Contingency Team.
- Participates in readiness drills, maintains casework proficiency, and responds to emergency communications and crisis situations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, human resources management, community organization, social or health sciences, or related field; or related equivalent experience.
- A minimum of five years related experience in program management or related field is required.
- A current, valid driver's license with good driving record is required.
- Requires strong computer skills.
- Public speaking skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing are required.
- Must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in an individual or team environment.
- The ability to balance multiple priorities is essential.
- Familiarity with military culture, regulations and protocol is strongly desired.
- Experience with American Red Cross programs and services is strongly desired.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Must be able to obtain a secret security clearance and a no-fee U.S. passport.
- Worldwide mobility is a condition of employment and an essential function of this position.
- Must accept work assignments anywhere in the world, including conflict areas, where the American Red Cross is providing services to members of the military and their families.
- Must meet strict medical and physical requirements, including immunizations required by the U.S. military.
- May be required to wear military uniforms and live and work in harsh and stressful environment in conflict areas.
- Periodically accompanies the military on deployments.
- Candidates must have the physical stamina and emotional capacity to live and work alongside deployed military members in harsh climates and difficult environments.
- Candidates need to thrive on service and teamwork.
- Candidates must be adaptable with an ability to manage through ambiguity engaging others in problem solving complex issues.
Skills
- Computer skills
- Public speaking
- Effective verbal communication
- Effective written communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Teamwork
- Balancing multiple priorities
- Military culture, regulations and protocol familiarity
- American Red Cross programs and services experience
- Adaptability
- Independent problem solving
- Servant leadership
Location
- Overseas locations
- Middle East
- Africa
- Eastern Europe
Work Type
- Reserve
- Short-term deployments
- Remote training
- In-person training
- Mobile staff
Experience Level
- 5 years related experience in program management or related field
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, human resources management, community organization, social or health sciences, or related field; or related equivalent experience.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental Vision plans
- Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts
- PTO: Starting at 15 days a year
- Holidays: 11 paid holidays comprised of six core holidays and five floating holidays
- 401K with up to 6% match
- Paid Family Leave
- Employee Assistance
- Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term
- Service Awards and recognition
About the Company
- By joining the American Red Cross you will touch millions of lives every year and experience the greatness of the human spirit at its best.
- The American Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network.
- The American Red Cross is a mission-based organization.
Equal Opportunity
- The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, San Diego Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and any other applicable state and local laws.
- American Red Cross is proud to be an EONS partner and share our employment opportunities with the network of organizations.
