Deputy Director of Emergency Management

About the Department

The Department of Emergency Management is dedicated to helping the Sonoma County community prepare for, respond to, recover from, and become more resilient to emergencies and disasters. To support this mission, the department develops emergency plans, coordinates preparedness activities, leads emergency response and recovery efforts, conducts training and public education, and works collaboratively with partner agencies and the community to enhance Countywide emergency preparedness and resilience. The department also manages the County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

About the role

As the Deputy Director of Emergency Management, you will serve as a key member of the department's executive management team, providing strategic leadership for the County's emergency management programs. You will oversee five direct reports and two Extra-Help positions responsible for emergency preparedness, community alert and warning programs, community preparedness programs, and administrative services while ensuring County emergency-related plans comply with state and federal requirements. You will also lead the County's Emergency Staff Development Program, recommend emergency management policies and procedures, and serve as one of the Directors of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergency activations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain emergency operations plans, functional annexes, training programs, and emergency exercises
• Coordinate emergency preparedness activities, incident activations, and short-term disaster recovery efforts
• Represent the County through presentations, committees, advisory groups, and partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and Operational Area stakeholders
• Serve as the department's Safety Officer
• Act on behalf of the Director of Emergency Management, as assigned or during the Director's absence

Important Information About This Position

This position serves on a rotating basis as one of the Directors of the EOC during emergency activations and may be required to respond outside of regular working hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts. On an as-needed basis, this position may serve as the department's Duty Officer and respond to emergency incidents throughout Sonoma County. During emergency activations, this position may be required to work extended shifts exceeding eight hours per day and work weeks longer than five days. This position requires flexibility and the ability to work effectively under adverse physical and mental conditions, including being at emergency scenes, incident base camps, other jurisdiction EOC, and may experience inclement weather, and stressful situations.

Qualifications

Any combination of education, experience, and training which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in emergency management, public safety, business or public administration, or a closely related field, and four years of progressively responsible experience managing a governmental civil defense, disaster, and/or emergency management program, two years of which included supervising staff.

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of emergency management; the laws, rules, and regulations governing the establishment and maintenance of emergency services systems; the modern equipment and systems utilized in emergency management including the Incident Command System (ICS), Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or equivalent systems
• Considerable knowledge of conditions leading to major emergencies, their effects, mitigation, response lines, resource requirements, damage assessment, recovery methods, and safety survival procedures; the operation of an emergency management center; federal and state policies and guidelines for emergency services and assistance; federal and state emergency services programs and funding procedures
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of program development and administration; principles and practices of supervision and performance management, budget and fiscal management, and public and general administration; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; English grammar, usage, and syntax
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct comprehensive emergency management programs; supervise and evaluate the performance of subordinate managers and other staff; analyze problems, identify service needs, and develop effective courses of action; establish and adjust priorities; plan and develop new programs to meet objectives; assess budgetary needs and make projections
• Ability to understand, interpret, and explain related laws, regulations, and policies; work independently and make sound decisions; maintain collaborative and cooperative working relationships; resolve conflicts; professionally represent the department and advise managers and supervisors on a wide variety of emergency management issues
• Ability to analyze emergency situations and implement effective courses of action; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing including public speaking; prepare and direct the preparation of comprehensive written reports and oral presentations; review staff work; work under significant pressure, be subject to extended work hours, and be on-call in case of emergencies

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and strategic leader who inspires confidence, builds strong relationships, and exercises sound judgment in complex and evolving situations. They will communicate effectively with diverse audiences, foster collaboration across organizations, and are committed to developing others while advancing the County's Emergency Management Mission.

• Experience leading comprehensive emergency management programs, including disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience initiatives
• Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining emergency operations plans, functional annexes, training programs, exercises, and after-action reports
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships with government agencies, Operational Area partners, community organizations, and other stakeholders to coordinate emergency management initiatives
• Knowledge of public alert and warning systems and emergency management technologies
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including experience presenting to elected officials, community organizations, and diverse stakeholder groups
• Political acumen and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, make sound decisions under pressure, and lead effectively during emergency incidents and disaster operations
• Commitment to mentoring staff and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment

The following training and certifications are highly desirable, but not required:

• FEMA Professional Development Series
• Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800
• State of California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)
• California Professional Emergency Manager (CA-PEM)
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)

Benefits

• Hybrid Telework – A schedule that meets the needs of staff, department operations, and the communities served
• Salary Advancement – A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off – Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Staff Development/Wellness – Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions – 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement – County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits
• Retirement – A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Incentive Retirement Savings Plan (IRSP) and 457 Voluntary Deferred Compensation – 3% of salary County contribution to a 401(a), in addition to the County matching up to 1% of base salary in 401(a), based upon employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave – May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits – Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

Pay

Starting salary up to $91.59/hour ($191,159/year). Salary is negotiable within the established range.