Director of Emergency Management & Mission Continuity

Berkeley University of California$123K — $165K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
  • Recent professional experience in emergency management within a large organization
  • Knowledge of NIMS, SEMS, and ICS standards
  • Experience in developing standard operating procedures for emergency response
  • Familiarity with California regulations related to emergency management
  • Skills in crisis leadership and diplomacy with diverse stakeholders
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills suitable for various audiences
  • Experience in managing Emergency Operations Plans and budgets

Responsibilities

  • Develop and revise campus Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and compliance procedures
  • Conduct assessments of campus preparedness and vulnerability
  • Provide technical consultation on emergency management across campus
  • Manage campus Emergency Operations Center (EOC) readiness
  • Develop and conduct training for campus personnel on emergency protocols
  • Evaluate and enhance communication strategies related to emergency management
  • Cultivate partnerships with public and private emergency services organizations

Benefits

  • Full benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement plan options
  • Work-life balance with fixed full-time schedule (Mon-Fri)
  • Supportive work environment with opportunities to make a significant impact on campus safety
  • Access to professional development and training initiatives
  • Engagement with a diverse and dynamic academic community
Full Job Description
JOB POSTING

Position OPEN until filled. We're still accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.
  • How to Apply
  • Troubleshooting
  • Tips for Applicants
  • FAQ's


INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .

Position OPEN until filled. We're still accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).

The IRD for this job is: 09-02-2026

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Risk and Safety Services (RSS) serves the campus by leading and coordinating multidisciplinary services to sustain a safe and healthy campus through managing risk, preventing injury and loss, and coordinating access, emergency response, and recovery. Performing these critical functions requires a broad spectrum of business and financial support to all RSS units that successfully manage a combined budget of over $22 million with over 150 employees. Risk and Safety Services units include the following operations:
• AVC Risk & Safety Services Administrative Office
• Environmental Health and Safety & Campus Fire Services
• Risk Services and Occupational Health
• Transportation and Parking Services
• Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

More information can be found at: https://oem.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Risk & Safety Services, the Director of Emergency Management & Mission Continuity is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring programs and policies that support emergency preparedness, business continuity and emergency response for the University.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $123,000 - $165,000/annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:
  • Full-time, Fixed
  • Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
  • Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
  • Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: EHS SPEC 5 (000491), Grade 26

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

30% - Planning & Compliance

  • Develops, assesses, revises, and maintains the campus EOP and other campus level plans, policies, and procedures integrating FEMA and Cal OES standards. Provides guidance, training, and assistance to departments in developing their departmental emergency plans to interface with the campus EOP. ensures compliance of plans with regulatory requirements
  • Monitors, provides for, and assures compliance with National Incident Management Systems (NIMS), Standardized Emergency Managements Systems (SEMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) provisions, adapted for use at the campus including monitoring ongoing related legislation.
  • Utilizing an all hazards approach, conducts ongoing evaluation of campus preparedness. In the context of maintaining the ability to fulfill the University mission, completes hazard vulnerability assessments that evaluate probability, level of risk, health and safety of responders, impacts to persons in proximity of events, continuity of routine operations, impacts to infrastructure and facilities, environmental impacts, economic impacts, regulatory impacts, and the reputation of the institution.
  • Develops and maintains documents and checklists for emergency or disaster conditions. Researches, analyzes, and develops emergency preparedness procedures for campus.
  • Provides technical consultation, direction, advice, and service throughout the University on emergency management and preparedness for all sectors of the campus community. Coordinates and assists departments in emergency response planning and in identifying human and material resource needs, as well as coordinating plans for resource mobilization during an emergency.
  • Develops, implements, and trains usage of computer-based systems for tracking emergency conditions to prioritize response, track progress, document occurrence, and facilitate recovery and reimbursement. Ensures processes are compliant with FEMA and CalOES requirements. Integrates systems into standard business practices.
  • Provides leadership and guidance for the development of a comprehensive campus business continuity program and provides supervision for the Business Continuity Planner (1.0 FTE).


15% - Operations & Response

  • Visit field sites and crisis areas with little or no notice, in response to developing and ongoing crises for the purpose of assessing and mitigating emergency situations and assisting with recovery.
  • Serves as the primary on-call Emergency Management Duty Officer as defined in the campus Emergency Operations Plan. Designates alternate Duty Officer when unavailable per the provisions of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
  • Maintains campus Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in a state of readiness.
  • Provides leadership and ongoing management support for operations and crisis communication that includes deployment of campus emergency notification systems including CruzAlert and for campus emergency management software (WebEOC).
  • Coordinates preparation of detailed reports and applications to state and federal agencies for reimbursement and financial assistance needed to recover from declared disasters.
  • Provides technical expertise and responds to emergencies on campus, including after-hours and on-call time; manage the emergency response process as appropriate according to ICS structure and methodology; contribute to campus and departmental emergency management, planning, and response. Within the EOC ICS structure, will direct personnel from all levels in the EOC organization.


20% - Training & Exercises

  • Develops implements and facilitates integration of ICS into all campus emergency planning activities. Trains and exercises top level management and policy makers (Chancellor, Provost, Deans, and Vice Chancellors), Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff, and departments in the use of ICS and campus EOP. Updates and modifies system to be utilized within university structure without compromising system integrity. Assures ability to utilize system in a Unified Command mode with external agencies.
  • Evaluates communication needs and develops required training including primary and alternate communication systems. Exercises and challenges communication infrastructure. Determines needs and devises strategies for improvement. Coordinates efforts with all related parties involved in communications.
  • Designs, plans, and conducts periodic emergency management exercises including tabletop, functional, and full-scale drills and exercises and coordinates campus participation in regional and state-level exercises as appropriate. Identifies target groups for participation and develops periodic and recurring exercises in subjects including the campus plan, ICS, SEMS, NIMS, communications, urban search and rescue, and damage assessment. Provides instruction and guidance to exercise and event participants, and evaluates effectiveness and efficiency of exercises and event responses.
  • Designs, implements, and conducts training and testing to reinforce principles of the campus system to all affected constituents. Prepares instructional materials for training of emergency preparedness and response personnel, as well as to provide campus faculty and staff with educational information.


20% - Administration & Partnerships

  • Serves as Campus professional expert on all matters specific to emergency management including preparedness, response and recovery.
  • Serves as primary campus representative to cultivate and maintain partnership relationships with city, county, and statewide public and private agencies or organizations responsible for emergency planning and response. Coordinates and integrates campus plans into broader regional emergency framework including the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Coordinates planning and communication with the Office of the President and participates in system-wide policy and guideline development teams.
  • Evaluates and identifies response resources including on-campus, community, inter/intra-campus, and allied professional groups. Develops agreements with such entities to facilitate acquisition of relief materials.
  • Coordinates, supports, and integrates emergency management with all programs and program leaders (including fire, law enforcement, hazardous waste management, radioactive materials, hazardous chemical materials, biological hazardous materials, risk management, operations and maintenance, animal care, and others); provides guidance to appropriate staff, committees, and departments; maintains liaison with all campus safety committees.
  • Organizes and coordinates regularly scheduled meetings of the Campus Emergency Planning Committee, Critical Incident Response Team and other support groups.
  • Provides resource information and advisory to the Chancellors' Emergency Management Policy Group (EMPG)


10% - Demonstration Operations Team (DOT) Coordination and Support

  • Provides direct support to the DOT Manager (Associate Vice Chancellor, Risk and Safety Services).
  • Coordinates planning activities in support of DOT meetings, training, event planning and event management.
  • Ensures ongoing alignment with the UCOP Civil Disobedience Initiative.
  • Coordinates and documents all training required for DOT.
  • Serves as office of record for all DOT documentation.
  • Monitors social media and campus calendar for upcoming/unannounced events


5% - Other Duties

  • Participates on key planning committees and assignments as needed for integration of emergency management functions, including emergency preparedness, response and recovery functions.
  • Researches and secures grant funding to support effective programs for one or more of the following areas of emergency management: mitigation funds, recovery funds, training funds, and equipment funds.
  • Coordinates campus automated external defibrillator program


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
  • Substantive, relevant, and recent professional-level experience in emergency management and planning in the context of a large organization.
  • Substantive experience in emergency management practices, as well as advanced knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Standardized Emergency
  • Management System (SEMS), and Incident Command System (ICS).
  • Experience in development and writing of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
  • Experience in identification of all relevant regulations and codes including California Code of Regulations (CCR).
  • Advanced knowledge of state and federal government techniques for planning and implementing emergency services, including various mutual aid systems.
  • Advanced knowledge of hazard assessment methodology, mitigation measures (including preservation of academic research), damage assessment, and resource recovery.
  • Excellent skills in Crisis leadership.
  • Advanced skill in interacting diplomatically with and fostering an effective working relationship with diverse constituency.
  • Strong skills to verbally communicate effectively with all levels of faculty, staff, students, and representatives of regulatory agencies,
  • Strong writing skills necessary to communicate complicated matters clearly and concisely to a wide variety of audiences, including the competencies required to prepare professional reports and develop program materials and plans.
  • Ability to lead the successful deployment of Emergency Operations Plans, Business Recovery and effective operations of the Emergency Operation Center.
  • Ability to provide comprehensive and independent management of all emergency planning elements, including budgetary, long- and short-term objectives, and resource management.
  • Ability and willingness to respond to emergencies in hazardous environments on an on-call 24/7 basis.
  • Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision to organize, prioritize, and accomplish goals, exercis

About Berkeley University of California

Berkeley University of California Careers

There has never been a better time to join the vibrant team at Berkeley University of California—the leading hub of innovation, leadership, and academic excellence.

Opportunities Await

Berkeley University of California invites aspiring professionals to join its dynamic team to help shape the future of education and research. With a commitment to diversity and professional growth, Berkeley offers unparalleled job opportunities in various fields. Transform your career trajectory with the best minds at Berkeley, where the culture of excellence meets groundbreaking research and development. Berkeley stands at the forefront of educational leadership and digital innovation. Engage with a global network of scholars and industry leaders to navigate your career path in academia or industry. Collaborate with top-tier professionals and students in a culture that celebrates creativity and diversity – fostering an environment where innovative ideas thrive.

Introducing the Berkeley Career Development Center

The center is dedicated to building a market-leading support system to help students and alumni master their professional journey through comprehensive career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking opportunities.

Drive Innovative Change

Join the ranks of Berkeley’s esteemed alumni and contribute to a legacy of change and innovation. With a focus on developing critical skills and leadership qualities, Berkeley prepares individuals for significant impacts in their chosen fields.

Engage in Meaningful Work

Deliver targeted solutions and engage in research that shapes the future of society. Berkeley’s commitment to excellence provides a foundation for profound personal and professional development.

Be Part of a Diverse Team

Work alongside a diverse group of thinkers and leaders who are dedicated to creating a positive impact on the world. Berkeley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment for all.

Future-Proof Your Career

Advance your career with Berkeley’s extensive resources for professional development, including workshops, seminars, and access to exclusive job opportunities and internships. The potential for growth and advancement is boundless.

Explore

Discover how Berkeley leads the way in sustainable innovation and social change. From developing new technologies to pioneering public policy, the university continually sets benchmarks for excellence.

The Berkeley Advantage

With a global reputation for excellence, Berkeley University of California provides a unique platform for students and professionals to explore new horizons. The combined academic rigor, research opportunities, and comprehensive support services empower individuals to lead and innovate in their respective fields.

Stay Connected

Join the Berkeley Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. Berkeley seeks passionate, curious, and driven individuals ready to make a difference. SEARCH BERKELEY JOBS

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the network of Berkeley professionals.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Berkeley University of California.
Learn more about Berkeley University of California

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Berkeley University of California

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Director of Emergency Management & Mission Continuity jobs: