Position Summary
The Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is the key city leader responsible for overseeing the City of Albuquerque's initiatives in managing emergencies, with a significant emphasis on preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of disasters. This role involves strategic compliance with FEMA's guidelines, incorporating CISA’s Critical Infrastructure protection strategies, and enhancing the city's resilience against climate-related impacts.
The OEM Director is responsible for coordinating the response to incidents which affect the City of Albuquerque that have been designated as emergencies by the Mayor, through the staffing and operation of the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This involves close coordination with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), Albuquerque Fire & Rescue (AFR), Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), and other city departments, as required.
The OEM Director collaborates closely with city leadership to enhance urban resilience and preparedness by developing strategic emergency plans, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating interagency responses. This will involve organizing training and drills for city staff and first responders, managing public education campaigns about emergency preparedness, and maintaining essential resources. Additionally, the Director will ensure regulatory compliance and advocate for policies that bolster the city's ability to handle emergencies, while also acting as a liaison between government entities, NGOs, and the private sector to foster partnerships critical to effective emergency management.
- During major incidents, requiring coordination among city, county, and federal departments and agencies, the OEM director will serve as the single point-of-contact for the City of Albuquerque’s response and recovery efforts.
- During an incident, the OEM director will either be on scene or make use of the nearest most appropriate City of Albuquerque Operations Center (e.g., RTCC) to immediately establish initial situational awareness and communications with City leadership.
- During an incident, the OEM director will lead the response effort and coordinate directly with the other City departments to ensure the appropriate resources are employed and actions are taken to respond to the crisis.
- During all phases of the incident, the OEM manger will ensure that actions of all involved in the response are coordinated, and working towards a common recovery objective. The OEM director will keep CABQ leadership informed during all phases of an incident, while ensuring that effective communications among all stakeholders is maintained.
This position will also perform other duties, as assigned by the Mayor and/or Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
This is an unclassified at-will position.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements
Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in emergency management, public safety, public administration, social sciences, or business management preferred. (Master’s degree preferred).
Additional Requirements
Successfully pass a background investigation.
Possession of a valid New Mexico’s Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
Possession of City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.
Preferred Knowledge
- Extensive knowledge of emergency management principles, including FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the National Response Framework (NRF).
- Understanding of climate change impacts on emergency management, particularly in areas susceptible to wildfires and flooding.
- Familiarity with CISA’s guidelines and strategies for Critical Infrastructure protection.
- Insight into federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to emergency management and environmental policy.
- Awareness of sustainable resource management practices, especially in the context of disaster recovery and mitigation.
Preferred Skills & Abilities
- Leadership and Strategic Planning. Ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team and manage complex emergency situations. Strategic thinking to develop and implement long-term plans for climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience.
- Communication and Coordination. Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with federal, state, local, and private sector partners. Ability to coordinate public education campaigns and community outreach programs.
- Analytical and Problem Solving. Proficient in conducting risk assessments and using critical thinking to develop effective solutions to emergency management challenges.
- Project Management. Experienced in managing budgets, overseeing grant applications, and administering funds according to stringent guidelines.
- Adaptability and Resilience. Capable of adapting strategies based on evolving environmental conditions and technological advancements. Resilience in facing emergency situations with calmness and decisiveness.
- Physical Stamina. Physical capability to conduct field operations in adverse weather conditions and manage operations during prolonged emergency activations.
- Public speaking skills. Capable of effectively conveying complex emergency plans and preparedness strategies to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and precision. Capable of exhibiting confidence and authority, particularly during crises, to reassure both stakeholders and the public.
