Director of Emergency Management

adequately prepared before, during, and after any type of crisis that may impact campus. This position provides direct supervision to full-time staff and student employees, including oversight of performance management, professional development, and day-to-day operational direction. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and strategic leader with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building productive relationships across a diverse range of campus and community stakeholders. They will demonstrate sound judgment, effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and a proven capacity to advance organizational goals through partnership, teamwork, and influence. The candidate will possess the technical and professional competencies necessary to lead a comprehensive emergency management program, including expertise in emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery; knowledge of federal, state, and local emergency management regulations and practices; and the ability to apply National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidance, and other nationally recognized emergency management frameworks and protocols. Success in the role requires strong analytical and technical skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, and the ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and specifications to support emergency planning, mitigation, and response activities. Above all, the individual will exhibit adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to preparedness and continuous improvement while navigating the complex and evolving needs of a university environment. The Director of Emergency Management is directly responsible for the following:

• Develop and maintain the University's Emergency Operations Plan and related documents and support plans
• Supervise emergency management staff, including hiring, onboarding, and professional development and evaluation; ensure alignment with departmental and University priorities while fostering a high-performing team
• Train designated University personnel in their assigned responsibilities and duties associated with emergency preparedness and response activities
• Develop, deliver and evaluate drills and exercises that serve to raise the University's capability to respond during and after an emergency
• Maintain required records, documentation, reports, etc. associated with emergency management activities and related training
• Coordinate emergency planning, briefings and public safety operations for special events
• Collaborate with University personnel to ensure that local emergency response plans, training and education are effectively utilized to ensure campus personnel are familiar with emergency response actions for various types of emergencies
• Serve as University Emergency Manager in coordinating the response efforts to significant University emergencies and disasters

Additional Information

The Director of Emergency Management will be expected to set an example in fulfilling duties and responsibilities in a professional manner and to work in a collaborative and positive manner with on-and-off campus public safety staff, respecting each member's skills and capabilities, as well limitations.

University Benefit Highlights

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life  
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options  
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents  
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Fall and Winter Breaks  
- Paid benefit time  
  
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/ 

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree.
2. A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in emergency management or a closely related field, with demonstrated responsibility for comprehensive emergency management functions, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
3. Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and team leadership.
4. Illinois (or other state) Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) certification or acquired within 2 years of employment.
5. Demonstrated expertise in emergency management and disaster planning, including the ability to lead preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts and apply NIMS, FEMA guidance, and other nationally recognized emergency management frameworks and protocols.
6. Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, policies, and practices related to emergency management.
7. Valid driver's license.
8. Must be able to report to the Normal campus within 30 minutes of notification during emergency situations and critical incidents. This position is on call 24/7 for emergencies

Preferred Qualifications

1. Degree in emergency management, homeland security, fire science, criminal justice, public administration, public safety administration, business continuity, risk management, environmental health and safety, or related field.
2. Master's degree.
3. Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Professional Emergency Manager (PEM).
4. Higher education emergency management experience.
5. Experience leading emergency management programs in complex organizations such as universities, healthcare systems, municipalities, government agencies, or large corporations.

Work Hours

Core work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the nature of emergency management operations, this position serves in an on-call capacity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and must be available to respond to emergencies, critical incidents, severe weather events, and other situations that may affect the safety and continuity of University operations. Evening, weekend, holiday, and extended hours are required as operational conditions warrant.

Proposed Starting Date

1/4/2027

Required Applicant Documents

Resume/C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference List (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three professional references)

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Information for Applicants

A leadership profile, providing additional information about Illinois State University and the position, will be available beginning September 21, and will be available in the ISU posting at that time.

Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States.  Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.  Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit:  only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Illinois State University.

Contact Information for Applicants

Cindy Lotz
cllotz@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.