Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

AN EXTRAORDINARY CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Austin, Texas offers a rare opportunity for an experienced homeland security and emergency management professional to lead the coordinated incident preparedness, management, response and recovery in a top international city and the capital of Texas.

ABOUT AUSTIN

By any traditional measure, Austin is thriving. Fueled by an influx of people and businesses, Greater Austin is one of the country's fastest-growing regions. Austin is currently the 11th largest city in the U.S. and is projected to be the 3rd largest metro in the U.S. by 2100.

Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country -- rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes -- Austin’s climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the city’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes. There are several excellent golf courses in the area, as well as opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin has something for everyone.

To learn more about the dynamic City of Austin, visit austintexas.gov.

THE OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) leads emergency preparedness, response and recovery for emergencies. The Office partners with public stakeholders and local, state, and federal organizations and agencies to ensure a coordinated and resilient response, safeguarding the Austin community through preparedness, unified action, and rapid recovery when it faces its greatest challenges. The HSEM Office envisions Austin becoming a more resilient city through disaster preparedness and education, because a resilient community is a prepared community. Services are provided with an annual budget of $6 million and a staff of 24, including an HSEM Assistant Director.

THE POSITION

Reporting to an Assistant City Manager, the position is responsible for leading, managing and directing all City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) activities, as well as implementing the preparedness cycle to ensure the City’s continuous improvement in preparing for and responding to incidents, emergencies, crises, and disasters. The position provides administrative and budgetary direction and ensures the effective and efficient operation of HSEM programs. Key responsibilities include directing City-wide operations across all phases of emergency management to ensure preparedness, mitigation of risk, and efficient and effective response and recovery; providing management and administration oversight of departmental staff and directing Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations during activation; overseeing and preparing HSEM’s annual operating budget; leading the planning, organization, training, equipping, exercising, and evaluation of City departments, outside agencies, and stakeholders to ensure effective coordination during incident response; and promoting emergency preparedness in the community.

The most competitive candidates will have demonstrated experience in planning, response, and recovery related to major disasters and large-scale special events in a population setting of one million people or more; possess Certified Emergency Manager designation or ability to obtain one within twelve months of hire; and have effective communication skills to facilitate emergency management and preparedness.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for the Director for Homeland Security and Emergency Management is $181,000 to $191,000, depending upon qualifications. The benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, compensated leave, short-term disability, and retirement benefits. The City is a member of the Proportionate Retirement Program. Optional benefits include supplemental life insurance, a 457 deferred compensation plan, long-term disability plan, and a legal plan.

Visit Austin Employee Benefits to learn more about the City’s employee benefits.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

This position is considered open until filled, with a first review of candidates on Monday, October 21, 2024. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé at:

www.mosaicpublic.com/careers

Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact one of the recruiters below before submitting materials.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com |(916) 550-4100

Bryan Noblett |bryan@mosaicpublic.com |(916) 550-4100

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact 512-974-3210 or Relay Texas 7-1-1.

The City of Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following are the minimum requirements for the position:

Education: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Administration, Business Management, Liberal Arts, or a related field.

Experience: Six years of progressively responsible work in public safety administration, with at least two years of which are in a managerial capacity.

• 

• Mosaic Public Partners

• 916-550-4100