Southern Company

Program Mgr (Emergency Preparedness)

Southern Company • $95K — $115K *
Virginia Beach, VA 23464In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field with 2 years of experience, or Associate degree and 4 years of experience.
  • Professional certification in Emergency Management, Business Continuity, or Project Management preferred.
  • Experience in natural gas operations and emergency management processes.
  • Experience in leading and managing programs with a focus on stakeholder coordination.
  • Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and emergency management principles.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement crisis management and emergency preparedness programs.
  • Coordinate emergency response planning, drills, and compliance documentation.
  • Serve as Chief of Staff for the Incident Response Team during major incidents.
  • Evaluate risks and operational vulnerabilities, creating improvement plans.
  • Communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders about crisis management and preparedness objectives.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule with remote days.
  • Opportunity for professional development and training.
  • Engagement with various industry partners and regulatory agencies.
  • Participation in emergency preparedness and response initiatives.
Full Job Description
Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Manager, Emergency Preparedness is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the Company's emergency preparedness, emergency response, crisis management, and business continuity programs. This position coordinates emergency planning activities, responder outreach, training, drills, exercises, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance organizational readiness and resilience. The role serves as a key liaison among internal stakeholders, emergency responders, regulators, and industry partners to support compliance with applicable pipeline safety requirements, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and promote public safety. During major incidents and natural disasters, the position serves as Chief of Staff for the local Incident Response Team (IRT), supporting incident leadership and coordinating response activities. The Program Manager also works closely with enterprise crisis management and business continuity leaders to align local emergency preparedness programs with Company-wide emergency response strategies, objectives, and best practices.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES BY COMPETENCY

Business Execution:
  • Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of crisis management, emergency preparedness, and business continuity strategies, plans, exercises, and readiness activities.
  • Ensures emergency preparedness and response programs support compliance with 49 CFR Part 192 requirements by coordinating emergency response planning, responder outreach, drills and exercises, compliance documentation, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Serves as Chief of Staff for the local Incident Response Team (IRT) during major incidents and natural disasters, coordinating response activities, facilitating communications, tracking critical actions, and supporting incident leadership throughout the event.
  • Makes sound decisions during emergencies, incidents, and business disruptions by evaluating operational, safety, regulatory, and business continuity impacts to organizational resilience.
  • Identifies emerging risks, operational vulnerabilities, and incident trends and develops improvement plans to address them.
  • Supports the Company's Pipeline Safety Management Program by coordinating emergency preparedness initiatives, emergency response exercises, incident management activities, stakeholder communications, and continuous improvement efforts consistent with API RP 1173 principles.
  • Establishes and maintains high standards for emergency readiness, incident response, investigations, corrective actions, and safe work practices to protect employees, customers, communities, and critical services.


Communication:
  • Communicates crisis-management expectations, response actions, and preparedness objectives clearly to diverse stakeholders.
  • Translates complex regulatory, operational, and crisis-management requirements into practical guidance, documented plans, training materials, investigation reports, and executive communications.
  • Engages business units, responders, and stakeholders to gather input and incorporate diverse perspectives that strengthen preparedness, emergency response, continuity programs, and organizational improvements.
  • Influences leaders and stakeholders to support preparedness initiatives, corrective actions, and organizational resilience objectives.


Relationships & Networking:
  • Collaborates across business units, operating companies, security, HR, and external agencies to coordinate response efforts and strengthen crisis preparedness, incident management, and organizational resilience.
  • Coordinates with enterprise crisis management and business continuity leaders to align emergency response programs, drills, exercises, lessons learned, and improvement actions with Company-wide emergency response strategies and objectives.
  • Supports the Company's Public Awareness Program by serving as a liaison with emergency responders, coordinating pipeline safety outreach and preparedness activities, supporting training and exercise initiatives, and maintaining stakeholder engagement records.
  • Builds and maintains effective relationships with field personnel, leadership, regulators, emergency responders, industry organizations, peer utilities, and other external partners.
  • Facilitates coordinated response efforts and promotes teamwork among incident-support, crisis-management, and operational teams.


Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
  • Monitors regulatory developments, industry best practices, emerging threats, and new technologies affecting emergency preparedness, crisis management, and business continuity programs.
  • Evaluates and implements tools, processes, and lessons learned that improve preparedness, response effectiveness, resilience, and incident-management capabilities.
  • Adapts response and recovery strategies during emergencies and disruptive events to address changing operational conditions and business needs while maintaining focus on outcomes.
  • Balances immediate incident-response needs with long-term resilience objectives through an understanding of the relationship between operations, safety, security, emergency response, and business continuity.


Development of Others:
  • Assigns and coordinates preparedness, continuity, exercise, and incident-support activities to develop organizational capability and align personnel strengths with business needs.
  • Promotes continuous learning through training, investigations, exercises, drills, feedback, and lessons-learned reviews to improve organizational performance and resilience.
  • Establishes performance expectations and accountability measures while tracking preparedness actions, investigation findings, corrective actions, and improvement plans through completion.
  • Evaluates program effectiveness based on readiness, resilience, corrective-action completion, and operational performance outcomes.
  • Empowers employees to take ownership of crisis-management, business continuity, and preparedness responsibilities.


Inclusion:
  • Engages affected stakeholders and incorporates diverse perspectives when developing plans, procedures, exercises, and improvement initiatives.
  • Builds respectful and collaborative relationships with employees, responders, public agencies, industry partners, and external stakeholders.
  • Encourages open communication, lessons learned, and innovative thinking to strengthen preparedness, resilience, and organizational performance.


JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical, operational, safety, emergency management, business, or related field and 2 years of related work experience; or
  • Associate degree in a technical, operational, safety, emergency management, business, or related field and 4 years of related work experience.


Preferred:
  • Professional certification in Emergency Management, Business Continuity, Incident Investigation, or Project Management (PMP)


Related Work Experience:

Required:
  • Experience in natural gas operations, emergency preparedness, emergency response, crisis management, business continuity, pipeline safety, or a related field.
  • Experience managing programs or initiatives, including planning, implementation, stakeholder coordination, and continuous improvement.
  • Experience leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, including emergency responders, regulators, public agencies, and industry partners.


Preferred:
  • Experience supporting emergency response activities during major incidents, natural disasters, or business disruptions.
  • Experience supporting PSMS, Public Awareness Programs, or other pipeline safety initiatives.


Knowledge & Skills:

Required:
  • Knowledge of emergency management principles, Incident Command System (ICS), and emergency response coordination practices.
  • Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies.
  • Strong communication, presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus across all organizational levels.
  • Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and drive work to completion with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in emergency and high-pressure situations.
  • Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to quickly learn new technologies and business systems.


Preferred:
  • Knowledge of 49 CFR Part 192 emergency response requirements.
  • Understanding of API RP 1173 Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS).
  • Understanding of API RP 1162 Public Awareness Programs (PAP).
  • Experience with emergency management, incident management, business continuity, or emergency notification software and tools.


Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
  • Hybrid schedule in the office/onsite with 1 remote day from home and subject to change per business needs.
  • Periodic field presence with exposure to all types of weather.
  • The incumbent may work near or with moving mechanical parts.
  • The incumbent may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals.
  • The incumbent may be exposed to excessive noise.
  • The incumbent may be exposed to construction related activities.
  • Occasional local and overnight travel.
  • Keyboarding required in approx. 60% - 80% of daily tasks.


Disclaimer: This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.

About the Team

Virginia Natural Gas

About Southern Company

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Southern Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Southern Company, a leader in energy innovation and a champion of sustainable practices. As one of the most respected companies in the energy sector, Southern Company offers unparalleled job opportunities that promise not only professional growth but also a commitment to diversity and leadership development.

Work You’ll Do

At Southern Company, we are not just about power generation; we are about empowering our team to innovate and lead the industry. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field, using your skills to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Southern Company has a place for you. Our wide range of employment options ensures that every team member can find a path that best suits their career ambitions and skills.

Innovate and Lead

Southern Company is at the forefront of technological innovation in the energy sector. Our team members are encouraged to lead projects and initiatives that push the boundaries of what is possible in energy production and management.

Grow and Develop

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through targeted diversity training, leadership workshops, and continuous professional development. Career growth at Southern Company is not just a possibility—it is an expectation.

Be Part of Our Culture

Southern Company’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and inclusion. We celebrate diversity and believe that it drives innovation. Our team is our family, and we support each other in achieving personal and professional goals.

Benefits That Go Beyond

Choosing a career at Southern Company means enjoying a range of benefits designed to enrich your life and support your lifestyle. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are taken care of.

Join Our Team

Ready to power up your career? Explore the job opportunities at Southern Company today. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven individuals. Enhance your skills, join a community of innovators, and work towards a sustainable future.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Southern Company by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and practical tips to advance your career.

Networking and Career Advancement

At Southern Company, networking and internal mobility are key components of career advancement. Connect with leaders, engage in cross-departmental projects, and take your professional journey to new heights.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make your mark from the first interview. Visit our career site for tips on crafting your resume, preparing for interviews, and making a lasting impression.

Join Southern Company—where careers glow brighter!

SEARCH SOUTHERN COMPANY JOBS Stay ahead of the curve in your career with Southern Company, where innovation meets tradition and every employee is empowered to excel.
Learn more about Southern Company
Size
27,000 employees
Market Cap
$77.6 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+3%
Revenue
$20.3 billion
* Ladders Estimates

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