Director of Emergency Management

The Director of Emergency Management provides strategic oversight and leadership for the university’s emergency preparedness, resiliency, continuity of operations, and disaster recovery programs. This role is responsible for developing, coordinating, and managing institution-wide initiatives designed to enhance the university’s ability to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate emergencies and operational disruptions. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President/Chief of Police, the Director of Emergency Management oversees operational planning, policy development, program implementation.

The position works collaboratively with departments across the university to integrate emergency management and continuity planning into daily operations and long-term institutional strategy. Key partnerships include The Wentworth Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities, Risk Management, Housing & Residential Education, Student Affairs, Dining Services, Finance, and other campus stakeholders.

Emergency Planning and Preparedness – 35%:

Provide leadership in the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of the university’s emergency management framework, including emergency response plans, crisis management procedures, operational protocols, and preparedness initiatives. Oversee the maintenance and annual review of emergency response and continuity plans to ensure compliance, operational readiness, and alignment with industry best practices.

Coordinate campus-wide emergency preparedness activities, including the development of departmental and building-level emergency action plans. Develop strategies to reduce risks to life, safety, property, and institutional operations during emergencies and disasters. Monitor emerging trends, regulations, and best practices in emergency management through professional development, training, and participation in industry conferences and workshops.

Maintain crisis management documentation and regularly brief senior leadership and the Emergency Management Incident Management Team on institutional readiness and preparedness efforts. Serve as the primary liaison with municipal, state, and federal emergency management agencies and partner organizations.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery – 30%:

Lead the university’s business continuity and disaster recovery planning efforts by developing policies, procedures, and operational strategies that support continuity of essential services during disruptions. Conduct organizational risk assessments and business impact analyses to identify operational vulnerabilities and recovery priorities.

Oversee the development, implementation, testing, and annual review of continuity plans across all university departments. Facilitate departmental planning efforts by providing guidance, training, communication, and ongoing support to ensure plans remain current and functional.

Evaluate continuity and disaster recovery plans through exercises, testing, and after-action assessments, recommending improvements when necessary. Manage continuity planning and ensure all plans, records, and updates remain accessible and properly maintained.

Emergency Response Training and Communications – 30%:

Develop and coordinate emergency preparedness training and awareness programs for faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and campus partners. This includes tabletop exercises, drills, hostile intruder response training, and both in-person and online educational initiatives.

Establish and maintain stakeholder committees and collaborative working groups to support preparedness planning and response coordination. Organize and evaluate campus-wide emergency exercises and drills to assess operational readiness and improve procedures and response capabilities.

Manage the university’s emergency notification systems, including system testing, template development, communication protocols, and training for authorized users. Ensure emergency communication platforms are integrated and capable of delivering timely and coordinated alerts through multiple channels.

Maintain and enhance the University Communications Action Plan and provide communication training to designated personnel responsible for disseminating emergency information. Monitor severe weather conditions and other threats, advising leadership during both regular and after-hours operations. Oversee emergency alert messaging, annual testing of the siren and emergency alert systems, and continued compliance with National Weather Service Storm Ready requirements.

Emergency Response Coordination – 5%:

Support and coordinate emergency response operations during incidents impacting the university community. Serve as Incident Commander when appropriate and assist in the development and execution of Incident Action Plans and operational objectives.

Coordinate response efforts with campus leadership, emergency responders, and external agencies while ensuring senior administrators remain informed of significant incidents, operational impacts, and mitigation strategies. Manage emergency resources and response priorities as conditions evolve.

Assist with recovery operations following emergencies, including continuity coordination, Family Assistance Center support, damage assessment activities, and long-term recovery planning. Participate in after-action reviews and incorporate lessons learned into future preparedness and continuity planning efforts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, Business Administration, Occupational Safety, Public Administration, or a related discipline required.
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management, business continuity, public safety, or related operational leadership roles.
• Strong working knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).
• Experience developing and managing business continuity and disaster recovery programs.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct risk assessments, compliance evaluations, and business impact analyses.
• Proven leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills across diverse organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience designing and delivering presentations, emergency exercises, and training programs for both operational personnel and executive leadership.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) and Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) preferred.