DIRECTOR - DISASTER/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Salary: $224,430.48 - $270,326.75 Annually
Location : City of Long Beach, CA
Job Type: Unclassified - Full-Time, Permanent
Job Number: DC27-001
Department: Disaster Preparedness & Emerg Communications - (UC)
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 10/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION
The is seeking an experienced and passionate emergency management professional to serve as its next Director of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Communications (Director). This is a unique opportunity to lead at the intersection of disaster preparedness, Homeland Security (including grants administration), emergency communications, and community resilience in one of California's largest and most dynamic cities. The next Director will help shape Long Beach's readiness for major emergencies, represent the City within the broader regional Homeland Security network, strengthen critical partnerships with Police and Fire, and lead significant initiatives including the replacement of the City's Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, continued 9-1-1 consolidation, modernization of emergency planning, and preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For a collaborative and forward-thinking leader energized by emergency preparedness and public service, Long Beach offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the safety and resilience of an entire community.
Lead preparedness. Strengthen resilience. Protect a community.

See the full recruitment brochure & to apply, visit: https://tristargov.applicantpool.com/jobs/1333302-334416.html
THE DEPARTMENT - PREPARED. RESPONSIVE. RESILIENT.

The Department of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Communications (DPEC) plays a critical role in protecting the Long Beach community and its first responders through emergency communications and comprehensive disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery. With an FY27 budget of approximately $16.8M and 88 budgeted positions, the Department is organized into three divisions: (1) Disaster Preparedness, (2) Emergency Communications, and (3) Administration & Grants. DPEC operates with a lean organizational structure, particularly outside of its 24/7 emergency communications operation, requiring team members to take on broad responsibilities and work across functional areas.

• Disaster Preparedness Division (2 FTE): Leads citywide planning for emergencies, maintains the City's emergency plans and Emergency Operations Center, coordinates training and exercises, and advances community preparedness through education and partnerships. The Division also coordinates Los Angeles County Disaster Management Area F, which includes Long Beach, Avalon, and Signal Hill.
• Emergency Communications Division (80 FTE): Provides 24/7 9-1-1 call-taking and Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services dispatch. Long Beach currently operates a hybrid model between co-located and fully consolidated emergency communications, with Police and Fire dispatch housed within one department and a growing number of employees cross-trained across both disciplines. The City continues working toward a fully consolidated model.
• The Administration & Grants Division (6 FTE): Supports the Department's financial, personnel, procurement, contracting, and administrative functions while overseeing the Citywide Homeland Security Grants Program. This work supports DPEC's operations while helping secure and administer critical federal and state resources that strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities citywide.

To learn more about the Department visit:

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES & MAJOR INITIATIVES:

1. Strengthen Citywide Disaster Preparedness: Evaluate the resources and next steps necessary to update the and supporting annexes, while strengthening the frequency and effectiveness of tabletop exercises and other training opportunities that prepare City staff for emergency activation. This work will also be critical as Long Beach prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, severe weather events, and other large-scale emergencies.
2. Modernize Critical Public Safety Systems: Lead major technology initiatives with the Department of Innovation & Technology, including replacement of the City's integrated shared between Police and Fire Departments and continued modernization of the
3. Advance Emergency Communications Training & Consolidation: Continue the transition toward a fully consolidated model by expanding cross-training across Police and Fire dispatch functions, strengthening operational integration, and building greater flexibility across the workforce.
4. Community Resilience & Engagement: Expand the Department's visibility and engagement throughout the community through disaster-preparedness education, outreach events, and stronger partnerships with community organizations and regional stakeholders. A particular focus will be increasing awareness and participation in and ensuring residents understand how to prepare for and receive critical information during emergencies.
5. Expand Citywide Homeland Security Grant Funding: Strengthen the City's ability to identify, pursue, and secure to support investments in equipment, planning, training, and other preparedness initiatives that enhance the City's ability to prepare for, mitigate, and respond to natural and human-caused disasters.

THE POSITION & DYNAMIC LEADER:

Reporting directly to the City Manager and serving as a key member of the City's 26-member executive leadership team, the Director of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Communications (Director) provides executive leadership for a unique department responsible for citywide disaster preparedness, emergency response and recovery, Homeland Security programs, and 24/7 emergency communications. Leading a lean organization with three (3) Administrative Officers reporting directly to the Director and oversight of nearly 90 staff total, this executive will remain closely engaged in the work while providing the strategic direction, judgment, and leadership necessary to strengthen Long Beach's readiness for emergencies and major disasters.
The City is particularly interested in a leader with significant disaster preparedness and emergency activation experience and a strong understanding of the Homeland Security framework in which local and regional emergency-management agencies operate. The Director serves as Long Beach's representative within the participating alongside regional public safety and emergency-management leaders in decisions surrounding preparedness priorities and the allocation of federal Homeland Security resources. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in this sophisticated regional environment and understand how to effectively advocate for Long Beach's needs while advancing broader regional preparedness.
This role also calls for a visible, energetic, and highly engaged leader who is genuinely passionate about preparedness and public service. The Director must be an effective relationship-builder with Police, Fire, City leadership, regional partners, community organizations, and residents. Strong customer-service instincts are essential, including the ability to personally engage with residents during difficult or frustrating situations, listen with empathy, communicate clearly, and demonstrate that their concerns are being taken seriously. The City is also looking for a forward-thinking leader who is open to exploring new tools, including the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence to strengthen and create efficiencies in tabletop exercise planning and implementation.
The City will be particularly interested in candidates who bring:

• Humble, grounded leadership

• Sound judgment and discernment
• A collaborative, relationship-driven approach
• An engaged and visible leadership style
• The ability to empower subject-matter experts
• A confident presence under pressure
• A strong customer-service mindset
• Intellectual curiosity and openness to innovation

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

• Education: Bachelor's degree in emergency management, homeland security, public administration, public safety, or closely related field.
• Experience: Eight (8) years of professional-level experience in emergency management, disaster preparedness, homeland security, and/or public safety, with at least (5) years of significant management experience.
• Desired: Local, state or federal government experience; Master's degree.
• Substitution: Education may be substituted for lengthy experience and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:An annual salary of $224,424 - $270,326* DOE/DOQ, plus a generous benefits package that includes:

*The Long Beach Management Association is in active contract negotiations with the City of Long Beach, which may result in an increase to the bottom and top of this salary range.

• Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. 2.5% @55 for "Classic" members and 2% @62 for new members as defined by PEPRA. Subject to employee contribution. Both the City and the employee contribute toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The City also participates in Social Security.
• Health and Dental Insurance: The City offers an HMO and PPO option for health and dental insurance coverage.City pays a major portion of the premiums.
• Life Insurance: City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability: City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Management Physical: Annual City-paid physical examination.
• Vacation: 12 days per year, increasing with years of service. Prior years of public sector service counted towards vacation accrual tier
• Executive Leave: 40 hours per year. City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours annually.
• Sick Leave: One day earned per month (8 hours); unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums.
• Holidays: Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four (4) personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Transportation Allowance: $650 per month.
• Deferred Compensation: 457 Deferred Compensation Plan; 401(a) plan with City contribution of 2% (Classic) or 5% (PEPRA)
• Optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Flexible/Hybrid Wor