"Director of Emergency Management"

Job Details

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

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.