EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

 As a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet, the Emergency Management Director is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor; the appointment requires confirmation by the Common Council.

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old-world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City's residents. If you have a passion for being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Pursuant to Chapter 323 of the Wisconsin State Statutes and Chapter 6 of the City of Milwaukee Charter Ordinances, the Emergency Management Director (EMD) directs the activities of the Office of Emergency Management, serving as a liaison and primary point of contact for all activities related to emergency management planning.  The EMD also facilitates internal governance and decision-making through committees and ad hoc workgroups.

The EMD reports to the Executive Director of the Fire and Police Commission. For more information about the Fire and Police Commission, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/fpc.

EMERGENCY PLANNING OVERSIGHT AND COMPLIANCE

• Direct and manage the City of Milwaukee’s Office of Emergency Management, which is responsible for the City’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), hazard mitigation plans, and compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Coordinate all internal activities related to emergency management to ensure efficient and effective use of City-wide resources, including technological succession planning, budget and policy decisions, purchasing and contracts, standards of operations, and grants.

• Serve as a member of the Ad Hoc Emergency Communication Steering Team.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison in matters related to emergency management with federal partners (FEMA--Federal Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security); state partners (Department of Military Affairs-Wisconsin Emergency Management Division and Wisconsin Office of Emergency Communications); and county partners (Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management).
• Oversee the operation of emergency communications activities through the development, administration, and implementation of policies, rules, standards of operation, audits, and strategic planning.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison to various organizations and officials in the field of emergency management and communications, including public health care, private organizations, non-governmental organizations, schools, and community-based organizations.
• Administer training exercises and outreach to expand emergency management preparedness to city and state agencies, private organizations, and community-based organizations.

• Direct and manage the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which includes assigning roles and responsibilities to department heads and senior management personnel when the EOC is activated.

• Maintain certifications and monitor national trends and standards in emergency management and communications.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Vaccination via receipt of either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to the employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to the employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy here: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/derAuthors/Policies/COVID-19EmployeeVaccinationPolicy.pdf.
• Successful completion of the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check prior to mayoral appointment.
• Be on-call during activation of the EOC and/or during the declaration of an emergency by city and/or county officials.
• File a statement of economic interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.
• Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

1.    Bachelor’s degree in police science, criminal justice, computer science, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

2.    Five years of experience in emergency communications, emergency management, and/or public safety.

3.    Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts are required and must be sent as email attachments to Kristin Hennessy Urban at krurban@milwaukee.gov by the application period closing date and time (see “Selection Process,” below). Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed and the date completed.

• A master’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Emergency communications and/or homeland security certifications.

TECHNICAL

• Knowledge of emergency management best practices, including the equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations related to emergency management.
• Ability to establish policies and procedures related to emergency communications and major incidents.
• Ability to read and understand complex documents such as laws, policies, procedures, and technical publications.
• Knowledge of the business and management principles involved in budgeting, purchasing, contracts, grants, strategic planning, and the coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of the capabilities of information technology to transform and enhance operations and services.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications to be able to produce correspondence, analyze data, and create reports.

• Superior written communication skills to be able to compose well-crafted policies, plans, reports, and correspondence.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, interpersonal ability, and political acumen to be able to build effective partnerships with senior officials in the public and private sectors.
• Ability to effectively represent the department before public bodies and the media. 

LEADERSHIP

• Ability to provide emergency management leadership for governmental partners and senior officials representing various organizations.
• Ability to provide direction and training to department heads and senior managers.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all associates are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.

• Ability to translate abstract concepts and high-level thinking into workable plans.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
• Decision-making skills and sound judgment to manage sensitive, complex issues with diplomacy and professionalism.
• Skill in data and information analysis and interpretation.
• Organizational and planning skills to be able to effectively oversee projects, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and accomplish goals.
• Ability to provide responsible stewardship of City resources, represent the City of Milwaukee professionally and ethically, and maintain the utmost confidentiality.
• Ability to engage in professional development activities related to emergency management.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2NX) is $82,051-$114,879 annually, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $84,512-$118,326. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in a cover letter and resume.

• Please send the following via email to krurban@milwaukee.gov by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022:

1. cover letter
2. resume
3. college transcripts

• Indicate “Emergency Management Director” in the email message subject line.
• Inquiries regarding the selection process may be directed to Kristin Hennessy Urban by calling 414.286.8643 or via email at krurban@milwaukee.gov.
• The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

INITIAL FILING DATE: The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after Friday, March 11, 2022. Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.