Director of Emergency Management

Working Title: Director of Emergency Management

Position Number: FA325

FLSA: Exempt

Appointment Type: Full Time

Sensitive Position: No

Sensitive Position Statement: A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check. This is NOT a sensitive position.

Campus Security Authority: Yes

Campus Security Authority Statement: This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities”. A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Designated Personnel: Yes

Designated Personnel Statement: This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

Statement of Economic Interest: No

Statement of Economic Interest Statement: This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.

Restricted Position: No

Restricted Position Statement: A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is NOT a restricted position.

Chief Objective of Position:

The Director of Emergency Management reports to the Vice President for Facilities and Campus Operations and is responsible for providing strategic, University-wide leadership and coordination in crisis and emergency preparedness and training. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing an all-hazard approach to emergency management.

Work Tasks:

1. Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and oversee the University’s emergency preparedness operations, including a comprehensive risk assessment, a testing and exercise program, continuity of operations planning, all-hazards planning, training, mitigation, response, and recovery.
2. Consults with and serves as principal advisor to University leadership in the event of an emergency situation or disaster.
3. Provide leadership and coordination to the University’s Emergency Policy Group and Emergency Management Team.
4. In coordination with the Emergency Policy Group develop, maintain, and update as necessary emergency preparedness policies and procedures, including the University’s Crisis and Emergency Management Plan (CEMP).
5. In coordination with the Emergency Policy Group, develop, maintain, and update as necessary the University’s Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan.
6. Establish and coordinate University-wide emergency preparedness awareness and training programs for Christopher Newport University faculty, staff, and students.
7. Manage the university emergency notifications system. Conduct drills of notification components. Prepare and manage messaging during an incident.
8. Serve as the University’s principal liaison for emergency preparedness and situational awareness with external agencies, including public and private, state and local agencies.
9. Establish and enhance ongoing partnerships and coordination with public and private, local, state, and federal agencies involved in emergency planning.
10. Provide assistance in the design of facilities and systems that will enhance the safety of individuals in the event of an emergency.
11. Organize, execute, and evaluate the University’s emergency preparedness and continuity of operations exercise program in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP).
12. Identify grant opportunities, develop and submit proposals, and manage grant funding in accordance with the University’s procedures and the funding agency’s regulations.
13. Assure compliance with federal and state emergency preparedness regulations, including National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), National Response Framework (NRF), Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP), relevant Executive Orders and Presidential Directives, and Virginia and federal statutes.
14. This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
15. Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the University’s mission and vision, anchored in excellence, focused on students, advancing the values of honor, service, scholarship and leadership.
16. Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position. Report unsafe work conditions to your supervisor. Immediately report work-related incidents to your supervisor and participate in accident investigation requests.
17. Perform other tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position:

1. Skilled in establishing effective partnerships and fostering effective working relationships with internal constituencies, representatives of governmental agencies, and other response agencies.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of current emergency preparedness “best practices.”
3. Knowledge of and ability to use emergency communications systems, including related computer systems and software applications. Knowledge of and ability to use facility security systems, including access control.
4. Ability and willingness to respond to emergencies in hazardous environments on an on-call 24/7 basis.
5. Demonstrated ability to oversee and supervise the planning and implementation of an all-hazards emergency preparedness program.
6. Demonstrated ability to plan and implement a variety of projects and to articulate the associated implementation strategies.
7. Comprehensive knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations, standards and guidelines and demonstrated ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to emergency preparedness; to formulate policy and procedures; to compile clear, accurate reports; and to coordinate/facilitate meetings.
8. Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, including the ability to prepare and present accurate, complete, and detailed reports and other documentation.
9. Demonstrated ability to navigate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance process with FEMA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).
10. Demonstrated ability to develop, conduct, and coordinate emergency drills and educational programs for a diverse audience of faculty, staff, and students.
11. Strong technological skills.

Required Education: Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree and experience that equates to an advanced degree.

Additional Consideration - Education: Certification in NIMS/ICS as required for management of emergency personnel with critical response roles; Professional Emergency Management credential.

Experience Required: Progressively responsible leadership experience in emergency planning and management, policy development, and coordination with large organizations with multiple priorities, including risk assessment, response planning, continuity of operations planning, and development of comprehensive response protocols for all-hazard emergency operations.

Additional Consideration - Experience: Experience in a college or university setting. Experience supervising staff in a public safety environment. Experience with grants and contract applications and administration.

Salary Information: Starting at $102,350, Commensurate with Education and Experience

CNU Information: Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia. Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.

Is this position telework eligible?: Yes

Telework Eligibility Disclaimer: This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee’s success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage telework. Departments and/or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.

Posting Number: AP413P

Number of Vacancies: 1

Posting Date: 07/31/2025

Review Begin Date: 08/24/2025

Application Instructions: Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application. This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by August 24th, 2025. Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.