Emergency Management Director

Iowa State University (ISU), a place where adventurous minds are encouraged to accomplish amazing things, is classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University-Extensive, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. As a land-grant institution and the largest university in the state, ISU is a global and culturally diverse institution committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment for both learning and employment—diversity in experience and perspective is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and building an inclusive academic community. At Iowa State University, these values are translated into action by seeking individuals who have experience working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituents. The University expects that all employees will demonstrate a contribution to diversity and inclusion as embodied in ISU’s Principles of Community. Big 12 Conference sports and a tradition of cultural and popular performances make campus life an adventure to remember. Iowa State University is located in Ames, a community of 67,000 situated 30 minutes north of the state capital of Des Moines and was recently voted as the number one “Best College Town in America” by 247WallSt.com and among the “Top 10 Best Places to Live in America.”

Reporting to the assistant vice president of environmental health and safety, the emergency management director is a professional, administrative, and supervisory leader responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the emergency management program. This includes all phases of emergency management (prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery) as well as Fire and Life Safety.

This influential position helps to ensure that mission critical functions within the university community are prepared to operate during, and efficiently recover after a crisis, disaster, or incident. The director will perform administrative and operational tasks, implementing and administering the requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA section 304) and the management of professional staff and student employees.

The scope of work requires a broad professional and comprehensive knowledge of emergency management, business continuity, emergency operations planning, local hazard mitigation planning, emergency operations center readiness, disaster recovery, fire and life safety operations and an ability to effectively work across all levels of the University.

A bachelor’s degree from accredited college/university and seven years of progressively responsible managerial or supervisory experience in emergency management, preparedness, business continuity or related experience. Experience in civil defense, police, fire and/or equivalent combination of training and experience will also be considered.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS); experience in appraising emergency situations, supporting disaster responses, and/or developing training activities or emergency planning for organization preparedness; and knowledge of and ability to interpret federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Further, an ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; work cooperatively with the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of university personnel and students, and to create a respectful and inclusive workplace; establish and maintain positive and harmonious working relationships; and gain cooperation through discussion, motivation, and persuasion are all important for this director. Knowledge and support of the university mission; an ability to maintain a customer service and educational mindset when engaging the public and campus community; and the ability to manage and lead in a complex, rapidly changing environment are all key characteristics of the next director. In addition, the successful candidate will be familiar with principles and practices of budget preparation and administration, have effective written and oral communication skills, and possess the ability to motivate, supervise, and develop staff.

Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in public administration, business administration, risk management, emergency management, community regional planning or relevant field. Further, formal training and/or certification in disaster response, emergency operations, emergency management planning, business continuity, risk management, Adult CPR, First Aid, and AED.  Training or certifications such as Certified Environmental Manager (CEM), Associate of Risk Management (ARM), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), and Incident command training (FEMA, ICS courses, etc.).

Review of applications will begin February 16, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Heather J. Larabee at hjl@spelmanjohnson, com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Iowa State University website at www.iastate.edu/.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against. This position serves at the pleasure of the University administration and is exempt from certain P&S policies.