Assistant Director, Emergency Management

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) Office of Emergency Management (OEM) seeks an experienced Assistant Director, Emergency Management to lead campus preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience initiatives. This senior role oversees emergency planning, training, exercises, and EOC operations, collaborating across the university and with external partners.

With UCLA serving as a critical site for LA28, the role will help strengthen campus readiness for major events and emerging

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of SEMS/NIMS/ICS and campus-wide application.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff supervision experience.
• Ability to work calmly in crises; strong communication.
• Excellent oral and written communication; brief senior executives.
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Adobe, and emergency management software.
• Valid California driver's license; ability to operate light vehicles.
• Experience developing and facilitating emergency management trainings.

Responsibilities

• Lead campus preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience initiatives.
• Oversee emergency planning, training, exercises, and EOC operations.
• Collaborate across university departments and external partners.
• Provide confidential operational support to campus leadership and Employee & Labor Relations during labor events.
• Support UCLA during LA28 Athlete Village readiness.

Skills

SEMS/NIMS/ICS knowledge

Leadership experience

Crisis management

Communication skills

Strategic planning

EM software

CA Driver's License

Training & exercises

Education

CA noncommercial Class C License

CA Driver's License

MEPP certification (Preferred)

AEM or CEM credential (Preferred)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Adobe products

Emergency management software

Job description

Department Summary

The UCLA Office of Emergency Management (OEM), within the Office of Campus and Community Safety, leads the university's efforts to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the impacts of emergencies and disasters affecting the campus community. OEM works collaboratively across departments to develop emergency plans, conduct training and exercises, enhance campus readiness, and ensure compliance with University of California systemwide policies and federal, state, and local regulations. As UCLA continues to grow in complexity-including serving as the designated Athlete Village for the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics-OEM plays a vital role in building a culture of preparedness and resilience across the university.

Position Summary

UCLA is seeking an experienced Assistant Director, Emergency Management to lead campus preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience initiatives. This high-impact role will oversee emergency planning, training, exercises, and EOC operations while collaborating across the university and with external partners.

With UCLA serving as an Athlete Village for LA28, this position will help strengthen campus readiness for major events and emerging challenges. The role also provides critical, confidential operational support to campus leadership and Employee & Labor Relations during labor-related events.

Join UCLA and help build a safer, more prepared campus community.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of SEMS/NIMS/ICS with ability to direct campus-wide application and training. (Required)
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with experience managing professional staff. (Required)
• Ability to work effectively in crisis situations with a calm, authoritative, and collaborative approach (Required)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to brief senior executives. (Required)
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and policy development skills. (Required)
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Adobe products, and emergency management software (e.g., , mass notification platforms, etc.). (Required)
• Valid California Driver's License and ability to drive light vehicles. (Required)
• Experience in developing and facilitating emergency management trainings and exercises. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Must possess, upon hire, and maintain a valid CA noncommercial Class C License in accordance with the California (CA) Department of Motor Vehicles. (Required)
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License and the ability to
  drive a truck or other light vehicle. (Required)
• Completion or certification from FEMA/EMI in the Master Exercise
  Practitioner Program (MEPP) (Preferred)
• Possession of a current Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) or
  Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential issued by the
  International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Driving Record: The position is subject to the California DMV "Pull Notice System" and continued employment is contingent upon proof of a satisfactory driving record.
• Must be available for 24/7 emergency response, including nights, weekends, and holidays. (Required)

Schedule

8:00-5:00 but may vary based on need

Union/Policy Covered

99-Policy Covered