Worcester State University
Worcester, MA
Job Description:
OFFICIAL TITLE: Executive Director Emergency Management & Institutional Safety
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Vice President of Administration and Finance
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Emergency Management Team, University Police Department (UPD) and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
General Statement of Duties: Reporting to the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Executive Director of Emergency Management & Institutional Safety is responsible for the leadership and oversight of university-wide safety and emergency management operations and activities. This position will oversee Worcester State University's (WSU) Emergency management program, University Police Department (UPD) and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) departments. This role is charged with developing and implementing strategic plans that support the overall mission of the university.
The Executive Director is tasked with building a culture of collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, providing guidance on emergency preparedness, and ensuring the university is well-equipped to handle a variety of emergencies. This individual serves as primary point of contact for emergency management, stakeholder engagement via outreach, training, and education opportunities. The position requires strong leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across the university community.
Essential Functions:
Leadership and Program Oversight:
· Lead the Emergency Management Program, aligning its objectives with the university's mission and goals.
· Provide oversight and guidance to the University Police Department (UPD) as it relates to the delivery of police services and public safety initiatives.
· Oversee Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) operations in accordance with all Federal, State and local authorities, and all campus-wide sustainability initiatives and promoting a culture of safety across all departments.
· Develop and manage comprehensive emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery plans tailored to the needs of the WSU campus.
· Administer the operating budget of the Department of Safety and Security and make recommendations for the department, equipment, systems, personnel, and operating needs.
· Develop and implement comprehensive public safety programs, policies, and procedures.
· Oversee security access control programs for all campus buildings including residence halls.
· Act as the primary resource for issues of emergency risk management pertaining to emergency planning, mitigation and preparedness; provide practical and technical expertise to guide and coordinate departmental efforts in an emergency; consult regularly with the Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Chief of University Police.
· Build and maintain partnerships with local and state agencies including Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), State Police, Regional Hazardous Materials Team, and the City of Worcester to plan and respond to emergencies.
· Collaborate and assist with maintenance of emergency response systems and resources, including the RAVE, RAVE Guardian, disaster supplies, and other items.
· Oversight and publication of Annual Security Report (ASR) in collaboration with Student Affairs and other key campus stakeholders.
· Serve as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).
· Member of campus-wide Clery Compliance Committee.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Strategic Planning and Coordination:
· Coordinate, develop, and implement all aspects of the WSU Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs), reviewing and revising the plans annually or as an emergency dictates.
· Develop and implement strategies to assess and manage the impacts of significant natural or human-caused events, such as mass casualty incidents, hazardous material exposures, and natural disasters.
· Analyze complex interrelationships between multiple governmental entities and academic institutions to develop tailored emergency management strategies and processes.
· Prepare and submit annual budget proposals and manage the administration of Department of Safety and Security budgets.
· Coordinate with the Office of Marketing and Communications (MARCOM) to review both emergency communications protocols and general campus safety messaging.
· Direct and participate in the preparation of reports (e.g., after action, inspection, etc.) and other emergency documents following emergency exercises and major emergencies; Prepare quarterly updates on emergency preparedness and risk management progress for distribution to campus leadership.
· Work closely with Director of EHS to develop and implement safety programs for students, faculty, and staff as mandated by authorities having jurisdiction.
· Oversee campus-wide environmental and safety programs and protocols.
Training and Community Engagement:
· Provide training and education to faculty, staff, and students on emergency response plans, the Incident Command System, crime prevention, personal safety, and other relevant topics through simulations and exercises.
· Develop guidelines and programs to assist campus constituencies in emergency preparedness and continuity planning, ensuring all community members are equipped to respond effectively.
· Serve as the campus spokesperson on general safety matters, through ongoing presentations, sessions at orientation programs, and regular campus communications beyond emergency situations.
Collaboration and Partnership Development:
· Establish and maintain cross-campus collaborations with key university stakeholders, including facilities, residence life, counseling, student affairs, and the Office of Marketing and Communication.
· Serve as a liaison between WSU and local, state, and federal emergency management agencies to foster partnerships and enhance collaborative efforts.
· Actively participate in regional emergency preparedness activities and represent WSU in professional organizations and committees, promoting best practices and shared learning.
· Seek and manage resources, including grants and funding, to support the university's safety and security initiatives.
· Oversee and facilitate external communications related to emergency management activities, ensuring transparency and alignment with WSU's strategic objectives, in conjunction with the university's Primary Information Officer (PIO).
Licensure/Certification:
· Completion of FEMA ICS courses (ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, IS-700, and IS-800)
· Must have a valid Massachusetts driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Required Qualifications:
· Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in emergency management, public safety, or law enforcement.
· Proven track record of developing and implementing emergency preparedness programs, including policy development, planning, and response coordination.
· Experience working in environments that require strategic planning and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and internal departments.
· Strong communication skills both verbally and in writing, effectively presenting ideas and providing plans and procedures in a clear and concise manner to internal and external constituents and stakeholders, and senior university leadership.
· Experience in managing environmental compliance in either a university or manufacturing setting.
· Ability to pass a thorough pre-employment background check including CORI.
· Ability to design and conduct training sessions, workshops, and exercises to educate various audiences on safety and security topics in addition to emergency management protocols and best practices.
· This position is classified as essential personnel and requires the ability to respond to emergencies 24/7.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree.
· Familiarity with medical or other emergency response organizations and their operations during emergencies.
· Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures that promote campus security.
· Working knowledge of Clery Act, Title IX, and VAWA.
· Demonstrated ability to implement a comprehensive safety/security and emergency response plan.
· Extensive knowledge of hazard/risk analysis to apply federal and local regulations to address moderate to highly complex health/safety and security issues.
· In-depth understanding of state and local government disaster recovery protocols.
· Experience working with diverse groups, including faculty, students, staff, and community members.
· Experience working in a higher education environment.
Physical Requirements: The Executive Director of Emergency Management & Health Safety must be able to sit and stand for extended periods, move around the work environment, and occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. The role requires exposure to varying environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, hazardous materials, and atmospheric conditions.
This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional non-unit position. The firm annual salary range for this position is $130,000- $140,000, commensurate with education and experience.
Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.
Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
· a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
· a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
· life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
· long-term disability coverage
· dental insurance
· 20 vacation days accrued per year
· 15 sick days accrued per year
· 5 personal days per year
· paid holidays
· tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
· and more...
We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Apply Online
09-Oct-2024