"Director of Emergency Management"

Job Details

Clemson University is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as Director of Emergency Management. This pivotal role provides comprehensive oversight and leadership for the Office of Emergency Management, ensuring enterprise-wide preparedness and resilience across the University.

The Director will lead the development and execution of emergency planning, risk reduction, and community preparedness efforts in alignment with Clemson Elevate and the University's broader operational goals. This is a unique opportunity to shape Clemson's emergency readiness and response posture, while building strong internal and external partnerships that enhance safety and continuity.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is a branch of Clemson University's Department of Public Safety within the Division of Finance and Operations. OEM ensures that Clemson University is able to prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate against emergencies and disasters that would affect the health, safety and lives of those who live, work and study at and around the University. For more information on OEM, visit the website.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Clemson University community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The department encompasses various units, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency management and Tiger One involving safety technology systems. DPS plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all members of the University community, contributing to the overall well-being and success of Clemson University. For more information on Clemson's DPS, visit the website.

Responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership & Management: Set the vision and priorities for the Office of Emergency Management (EM). Manages the Department of EM, oversees employee development, and cultivates a collaborative environment committed to EM excellence.
• Emergency Planning & Response: Develops and maintains the EM Council and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) composed of individuals from all departments and locations state-wide, and serves as the EOC Manager or Director, to coordinate University emergency planning, response, recovery and resumption of operations. Serves as the senior EM official and advises University leadership on the status of EM programs, policies, and courses of action.
• Partnerships & Outreach: Develops and maintains relationships with private, local, state, and federal agencies to foster communication, collaboration, and coordination bringing diverse entities together to accomplish shared goals. Collaborates with key University and partner entities to plan for special events, manage Critical Infrastructure projects, and enhance technology to strengthen EM capabilities. Represents the University on working groups to stay abreast of and address emerging trends and needs facing higher education and the EM community.
• Development & Community Engagement: Oversees a comprehensive EM program designed to promote an enterprise-wide culture of preparedness through whole community engagement enhancing university resiliency, departmental readiness, and individual preparedness. Directs the establishment and maintenance of a university-wide training and exercise program in collaboration with stakeholders and in compliance with federal guidance to shape planning, assess and validate capabilities, and address areas for improvement.
• Compliance & Planning: Interprets state and federal guidance, legislation and procedures and communicates the impacts with appropriate individuals and groups to support university compliance. Leads multi-disciplinary teams to coordinate risk and capability assessments, build and sustain capabilities and reduce vulnerabilities. Facilitates the development and implementation of comprehensive enterprise-wide plans with university stakeholders, and local, state, and federal partners.
• Advocacy: Advocates for EM by educating the University and surrounding communities regarding its vision, priorities, efforts, and strategies. Facilitates integration of EM programs into existing University organizations and activities. Collaborates with leadership to establish resource allocations relating to funding, staffing requirements, and operational needs by conducting analysis and developing projections based on enterprise growth, emerging issues, and new initiatives to foster a secure and resilient Clemson University.

Anticipated Salary Range: $101,300 - $127,000

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in emergency management or related field from an accredited institution
• Completion of ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, IS-700, and IS-800
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in Emergency Management or a related field and at least 2 years of supervisory or management experience
• In-depth knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS)
• Valid Class D driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in emergency management, public administration, or related field
• 10+ years of EM-related experience and 5+ years in a supervisory role
• Professional certifications such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Associate Emergency Manager (AEM), ICS-400

Application Instructions

Applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Director of Emergency Management is selected. Interested parties must apply electronically via Interfolio and submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five references by September 1, 2025, to assure full consideration.

For nominations or questions regarding this position, please email Brennan Ledford, Executive Talent Partner at bnhaski@clemson.edu.