Purpose
The Savannah Fire Department seeks an accomplished, forward-thinking, and collaborative executive to serve as its next
Deputy Fire Chief – Strategic Services. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of Georgia's premier fire departments while supporting a vibrant, historic, and rapidly growing coastal community.
As a key member of the Fire Department's executive leadership team, the Deputy Fire Chief – Strategic Services serves as the executive leader responsible for advancing organizational effectiveness, strategic planning, administrative services, and continuous improvement initiatives. Partnering closely with the Fire Chief, this leader provides executive oversight of the systems, programs, personnel, and resources that support emergency operations while ensuring alignment with the department's mission, strategic objectives, and the City of Savannah's Government Performance Standards (GPS).
The ideal candidate is a confident yet humble leader who builds trust through integrity, accountability, and authentic relationships. They possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, inspire high-performing teams, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. This executive thrives in a dynamic environment, embraces organizational change, and uses data-driven decision-making to improve performance while serving as a responsible steward of public resources.
Leading the Strategic Services Division, the Deputy Fire Chief provides executive oversight of workforce management, logistics, capital planning, fire prevention and community risk reduction, accreditation, ISO readiness, technology systems, data analytics, records management, and organizational performance. This leader champions innovation, drives continuous improvement, and develops long-range strategies that strengthen operational readiness and position the department for future success.
As Savannah continues to experience significant growth and increasing service demands, the Deputy Fire Chief – Strategic Services will play a pivotal role in modernizing organizational systems, enhancing operational support, and ensuring the department remains agile, resilient, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of the community. Through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, this executive will help build the organizational foundation that enables firefighters and emergency responders to serve the community safely and effectively.
This position offers the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by shaping the future of the Savannah Fire Department through strategic leadership, organizational excellence, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to public service.
Essential Job Functions
- Serves as a member of the Fire Department's executive leadership team, assisting the Fire Chief in providing strategic direction, executive leadership, and overall management of the organization.
- Serves as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief and assumes responsibility for department-wide operations, administration, and executive decision-making.
- Provides executive leadership to assigned divisions through subordinate command staff by establishing expectations, promoting accountability, and ensuring organizational effectiveness.
- Directs and evaluates assigned personnel, including performance management, leadership development, succession planning, and professional development.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates organizational strategies, policies, procedures, and department-wide initiatives that support departmental objectives and the City of Savannah's Government Performance Standards (GPS).
- Participates in executive planning activities including workforce planning, budgeting, capital planning, organizational development, and long-range strategic initiatives.
- Promotes collaboration, communication, and coordination across departmental divisions to ensure organizational alignment and effective service delivery.
- Represents the Fire Department before elected officials, City leadership, partner agencies, professional organizations, and community stakeholders.
- Provides executive sponsorship and oversight of department-wide projects, initiatives, and special assignments as directed by the Fire Chief.
- Responds to significant emergency incidents to provide executive command, organizational coordination, and strategic support.
- Ensures executive leadership coverage and organizational support on a twenty-four-hour basis.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
When Assigned To Strategic Services Division
When assigned to the Strategic Services Division, the Deputy Fire Chief serves as the executive leader responsible for the department's organizational effectiveness, administrative services, strategic planning, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position provides executive oversight of the systems, resources, and personnel that support emergency operations and ensures alignment with the Fire Department's mission, strategic objectives, and the City of Savannah's Government Performance Standards (GPS).
- Provides executive leadership for the department's administrative, support, and strategic functions to enhance organizational effectiveness and operational readiness.
- Directs and oversees human resources and workforce management, logistics and physical resource management, fire prevention and community risk reduction, and technical services including accreditation, ISO, GIS, records management, data analytics, technology systems, and organizational performance.
- Leads strategic planning, organizational development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Oversees capital planning and lifecycle management of departmental assets and resources.
- Directs organizational performance management, accreditation, ISO readiness, and the use of data analytics to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Promotes innovation, organizational change, and implementation of best practices to improve departmental performance.
- Performs other administrative functions as assigned by the Fire Chief.
The Deputy Fire Chief is responsible for ensuring these programs are effectively managed, aligned with departmental strategic objectives, and delivered in a manner that supports operational readiness, organizational excellence, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Operations Division
When assigned to the Operations Division, the Deputy Fire Chief serves as the executive leader responsible for emergency operations, operational readiness, deployment, and service delivery. This position provides executive oversight of the department's operational functions and ensures that emergency response capabilities, personnel, and resources are effectively aligned to safely and efficiently protect the community while supporting the Fire Department's mission, strategic objectives, and the City of Savannah's Government Performance Standards (GPS).
- Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for emergency response operations and service delivery.
- Directs and oversees fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, marine operations, and other specialized emergency response programs.
- Oversees operational readiness, including staffing, deployment strategies, resource allocation, response performance, and operational preparedness.
- Directs department-wide training, leadership development, and workforce readiness initiatives to ensure professional competency and operational effectiveness.
- Oversees emergency planning, disaster preparedness, mutual aid agreements, and regional response coordination.
- Evaluates operational performance through performance metrics, after-action reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance firefighter safety and service delivery.
- Ensures operational activities comply with departmental policies, accreditation standards, and strategic objectives.
- Performs other operational functions as assigned by the Fire Chief.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in a career fire department, including emergency operations, administration, and organizational leadership.
- Minimum of two (2) years of successful executive command experience at the Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Chief, or equivalent executive leadership level with demonstrated responsibility for organizational leadership, strategic planning, administration, or oversight of major departmental divisions.
- Candidates must demonstrate executive leadership experience in multiple organizational disciplines such as workforce management, strategic planning, organizational development, labor relations, accreditation, technology, logistics, fleet or facilities management, fire prevention, or other major administrative functions.
- Demonstrated executive leadership experience in organizational change management, strategic planning, or leading complex organizational initiatives is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Fire Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
- Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Chief Fire Officer (CFO), or equivalent designation
- Advanced training in leadership, executive management, or public administration
Additional Information
- Knowledge of modern fire service administration, including emergency operations, fire prevention, EMS, community risk reduction, and emergency management.
- Knowledge of executive leadership, organizational development, strategic planning, and public administration.
- Knowledge of budgeting, municipal finance, capital planning, procurement, and resource stewardship.
- Knowledge of labor relations, workforce management, employment laws, and organizational policy administration.
- Knowledge of accreditation, ISO, performance management, data analytics, and continuous improvement principles. Skill in developing short- and long-range plans.
- Skill in providing executive leadership through subordinate command staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, and organizational excellence.
- Skill in developing and implementing strategic initiatives, policies, and organizational priorities.
- Skill in analyzing complex operational, organizational, and fiscal issues and developing effective long-term solutions.
- Skill in executive communication, relationship management, and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to provide strategic leadership and executive decision-making in dynamic and high-pressure environments.
- Ability to lead organizational change while promoting innovation and continuous improvement.
- Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with employees, elected officials, partner agencies, labor representatives, and the community.
- Ability to balance competing priorities while aligning departmental operations with organizational goals and public expectations.
Minimum Standards
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Fire Chief assigns work in terms of departmental goals and objectives. Work is reviewed through reports, conferences, and overall organizational performance.
GUIDELINES: Guidelines include City of Savannah policies, Fire Department procedures, NFPA standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Independent judgment is required in application.
COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied executive-level administrative, operational, and strategic duties. Emergency response responsibilities and organizational complexity contribute to the role.
SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to assist in directing the Fire Department and leading major divisions. Successful performance ensures effective service delivery and enhances the safety of life and property in the community.
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts include elected officials, department heads, employees, community leaders, partner agencies, and the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are used to exchange information, resolve problems, influence outcomes, and coordinate services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is typically performed in an office environment but may involve field response to emergency incidents. Physical activity may include standing, walking, lifting, and operating equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in office and field environments, including exposure to emergency scenes, hazardous conditions, and inclement weather.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position provides executive-level oversight of assigned divisions and supervises personnel through subordinate command staff.
City Of Savannah Employee Benefits
Overview of Benefits
Paid Holiday
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan
Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Retirement Seminars
PPO Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Health & Wellness Incentives
Long Term Disability
Excellence and Service Recognition
Employee Development and In-Service Training
Educational Assistance Program
Uniform Allowance (select positions)
Employee Assistance Program
Discounts and Memberships
Employee Relations
Direct Deposit
Credit Union
Pretax Parking Deductions
Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Healthcare
PPO Medical Plus Plan
PPO Medical Basic Plan
Dental Plus Plan
Dental Basic Plan
Vision Service Plan
Life Insurance
Basic Life and ADD
Supplemental Life Employee
Supplemental Life Spouse
Supplemental Life Child
Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.
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Deputy Fire Chief – Strategic Services Division I appreciate your interest in the Deputy Fire Chief – Strategic Services Division position with the Savannah Fire Department. As a member of the Department's Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Fire Chief – Strategic Services provides executive leadership for the department's administrative services, strategic planning, organizational development, workforce management, logistics, technical services, capital planning, organizational performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position plays a critical role in advancing the department's mission, supporting operational readiness, and positioning the organization for long-term success. The supplemental questions that follow are a critical component of the selection process and are designed to assess each candidate's executive leadership experience, strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership philosophy. Your responses will be evaluated alongside your education, experience, and qualifications to determine your progression through the recruitment process. Instructions Please review the following requirements carefully before completing the questionnaire: Complete all supplemental questions. Failure to answer any question will result in disqualification from further consideration. Limit each response to 600 words or fewer. Base your responses on your own executive leadership experience and clearly articulate your leadership philosophy, decision-making approach, and individual contributions. When describing team accomplishments, specifically identify your personal role, leadership responsibilities, and the actions you took to achieve the outcome. Whenever possible, include measurable results, organizational improvements, or other tangible outcomes that demonstrate the impact of your leadership. Responses should be clear, concise, and professionally written. Candidates are encouraged to provide thoughtful and specific examples that best demonstrate their qualifications and readiness to serve as the Savannah Fire Department's next Deputy Fire Chief – Strategic Services. Please acknowledge below by providing your name and date
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I understand that the pay range for this position is $135,227.00 - $156,821.00 and that compensation will be based on knowledge and experience.
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Do you hold a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history?
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Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field?
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Do you have a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in a career fire department, including emergency operations, administration, and organizational leadership?
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Do you have a minimum of two (2) years of successful executive command experience at the Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, or equivalent executive leadership level with demonstrated responsibility for organizational leadership, strategic planning, administration, or oversight of major departmental divisions?
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Supplemental Question 1: Briefly describe the fire departments or organizations where you have served in executive leadership positions. In your response, please include: The name of each organization. The population served. The number of stations and authorized personnel. Your executive position(s). Your span of responsibility, including personnel, divisions, programs, or functions under your leadership. The most significant organizational challenges facing the department during your tenure. Finally, describe why you believe your executive leadership experience has prepared you for the position of Deputy Chief of Strategic Services with the Savannah Fire Department.
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Supplemental Question 2: Describe a significant strategic initiative that you personally led from concept through implementation. In your response, discuss: The organizational issue or opportunity that prompted the initiative. How you evaluated the need for change. Your planning process. How you established priorities. How you involved stakeholders and built organizational support. Obstacles encountered during implementation. The measurable outcomes or organizational improvements that resulted. Looking back, what you would do differently today.
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Supplemental Question 3: As the Deputy Chief of Strategic Services, your responsibility will be to evaluate organizational systems, strengthen administrative functions, and help position the Savannah Fire Department for future success. Describe how you would approach your first year in this position. In your response, discuss: How you would assess the department's strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Your approach to learning the organization before implementing significant change. How you would establish credibility and build relationships with department personnel, City leadership, labor representatives, and partner departments. The organizational systems or functions you would evaluate first and why. How you would determine whether your first year had been successful. We are interested in understanding how you approach executive leadership within a new organization rather than specific operational solutions.
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Supplemental Question 4: Describe your experience leading the planning, budgeting, replacement, or lifecycle management of major departmental assets. Examples may include fleet, apparatus, facilities, SCBA, PPE, radios, technology, communications systems, or other significant capital resources. In your response, discuss: Your leadership role. How replacement priorities were established. Your involvement in budgeting and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning. How you collaborated with finance, purchasing, fleet, facilities, or other departments. Any measurable improvements or efficiencies resulting from your efforts. Lessons learned that would benefit the Savannah Fire Department.
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Supplemental Question 5: Describe a significant administrative initiative or organizational challenge that required you to work collaboratively across your organization or with other departments. Examples may include workforce planning, staffing analysis, overtime management, labor relations, FMLA administration, succession planning, organizational restructuring, policy development, budgeting, technology implementation, facilities planning, or other major administrative responsibilities. In your response, discuss: The organizational challenge. Your leadership role. The departments, agencies, or stakeholders involved. How you built relationships and achieved collaboration. The outcome of the initiative. What you learned from the experience.
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Supplemental Question 6: This position represents a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the Savannah Fire Department through executive leadership, organizational development, and strategic services. Describe why you are interested in serving as the Deputy Chief of Strategic Services for the Savannah Fire Department. In your response, discuss: What attracted you to this opportunity. What aspects of your background have prepared you for this role. What you believe you would contribute to the department and the City of Savannah. Why this position aligns with your professional goals and leadership aspirations. What success would look like to you after five years in this role.
