Director of Emergency Management

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) coordinates countywide preparedness, response and protection services and activities for large-scale incidents and disasters. DEM is responsible for alerting and notifying appropriate agencies within the County’s 20 cities when disaster strikes; coordinating all agencies that respond; ensuring resources are available and mobilized in times of disaster; developing plans and procedures in response to and recovery from disasters; and developing and providing preparedness materials for our residents.

THE POSITION

• Plans, organizes, directs, and manages the staff and operations of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM).
• Reviews and maintains internal and external emergency preparedness programs and emergency operation plans for the County of San Mateo.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates department goals, objectives, policies, procedures and budget.
• Coordinate departmental activities with other County departments and outside agencies.
• Provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the County Executive and Board of Supervisors.
• Directs the preparation and administration of DEM’s budget.
• Directs staff in the planning, resource allocation, budgeting and record systems needed to meet the department’s responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Emergency services administration, including appropriate methods, procedures and technical expertise, program development and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of management necessary to plan, organize, direct, manage and evaluate staff and functions of an emergency preparedness, recovery and response operation.
• Federal and State codes, laws, regulations and ordinances related to local and regional disaster management and hazardous materials incident preparedness, response and recovery.
• Technology, trends and techniques in the areas of emergency and disaster preparedness, response, relief and recovery.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, organize, manage and evaluate staff and operations of an emergency preparedness, recovery and response operation.
• Direct and coordinate all levels of personnel and aspects of emergency services administration in an actual emergency or disaster situation.
• Determine emergency service and disaster preparedness program objectives, priorities and approaches.
• Develop and implement policies, plans and procedures for monitoring and evaluating responses in time of emergency or disaster.
• Interpret, apply and explain County policies and State and Federal legislation related to emergency services.
• Analyze and evaluate statistical data and reports related to emergency services.
• Ability to achieve the professional confidence of others and to elicit cooperation from others.

An Ideal Candidate:

• An approachable and politically astute leader with a management style that quickly fosters trust, loyalty, respect, commitment, and partnership.
• A strategic thinker and planner who develops departmental strategies that balance vision with realism. An innovative leader knowledgeable in technology trends and resources.
• Experienced in implementing business process redesigns that increase efficiencies and leverage the use of technology.
• A consensus builder with superior negotiation skills. Astute in resolving highly controversial issues in a participatory and effective manner.
• A seasoned manager who is committed to developing the staff’s talent and potential and to creating an environment of high performance in a fast-paced environment.
• A visionary who understands and recognizes emerging problems and proactively develops practical yet innovative solutions.
• Eloquently and persuasively explains and promotes strategy; speaks effectively to diverse audiences including professional, business, industry and citizen groups.
• Properly interprets and makes decisions in accordance with appropriate laws, regulations and policies.
• Works cooperatively and effectively with Board of Supervisors, County Manager, other departments and officials and employees, other agencies, commissions, and advisory boards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

Education

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in law, business, public administration, emergency management or related field.

Experience

Five years of increasingly responsible experience performing duties related to emergency/disaster management or law enforcement in a large complex public agency, including two years experience in a senior-level administrative or management position.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The annual salary range is $172,286 – $215,446. The County offers an excellent benefits package that is available to spouses, domestic partners, and other dependents.