Director, Office of Emergency Management

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) collaborates with governmental and non-governmental partners to mitigate, plan, and prepare for emergencies; educate the public about preparedness; coordinate response and recovery efforts for emergencies and complex events; and develop tools and resources to support the City of Philadelphia's overall preparedness.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Emergency Management is responsible for all-hazards emergency and disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities for the City of Philadelphia. All-hazards includes all types of natural hazards, technological hazards, and human-caused threats. Working collaboratively with all levels of government, non-profit, private sector, and community organizations, the Director shall strategically lead a comprehensive program and full-service team that is available 24/7/365.

The Director is called upon to be an advisor to the Mayor, Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director and City leadership on emergency management topics as well as to be the direct interface with emergency management functions at the state and federal level. The Director will strategically lead teams and programs that provide services to disaster survivors, create organization for complex planned and unplanned incidents, facilitate resource requests, conduct community engagement and public messaging, analyze threats and hazards, manage chemical facility reporting, are responsible for grants management, and other disaster related functions with 24/7/365 service availability.

This position is on-call and will require arrangements for coverage when unavailable.

Essential Functions

1. Operational Oversight and Crisis Management Leadership

• Serve as the focal point for operational coordination and decision-making for OEM’s coordination and support activities – as well as direct service-delivery, overseeing the entire agency’s response and recovery roles during emergencies, disasters, and large planned events.
• Coordinate the city's emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts across all departments and with external partners including federal, state, and regional agencies.
• Oversee emergency preparedness, response, and recovery missions from the Emergency Operations Center and in the field with a high level of availability 24/7/365.
• Direct emergency operations during incidents, including activation and management of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), City’s mobile command post, and other field and incident support sites
• Serve as the County Emergency Management Coordinator to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Find opportunities within OEM and across its partners to ensure operational readiness for Philadelphia’s risks.
• Provide guidance and direction to staff, through modeling and coaching, to ensure effective decision-making and coordination.
• Ensure timely and accurate alert & warning capabilities on behalf of the City of Philadelphia.
• Provide emergency management services to other volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous crises experienced by the City.

1. Strategic Leadership and Policy Development for Readiness

• Serve as senior advisor to the Mayor and Cabinet members regarding emergency management activities.
• Develop executive policy and strategy, including a multi-year strategic plan and an annual baseline schedule, using emergency management best practices.
• Rooted in the city's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and related annexes and hazard-sp