Assistant Director, Emergency Management

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

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

With UCLA serving as a major event hub for LA28, the position requires strategic leadership, crisis management skills, and the ability to provide confidential support to campus leadership and labor

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead campus preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience initiatives.
• Oversee emergency planning, training, exercises, and EOC operations.
• Collaborate across the university and with external partners to strengthen readiness.

Skills

SEMS/NIMS/ICS knowledge

Leadership and supervision

Crisis management

Oral & written communication

Strategic planning & project mgmt

Emergency management software

MS Office Suite

Valid California Driver’s License

Trainings & exercises development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, or related field

Master's degree preferred

MEPP certification preferred

IAEM CEM or AEM credential preferred

Tools

Emergency management software

Mass notification platforms

MS Office Suite

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 ExercisePractitioner 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

Complete Position Description

https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Environmental%20Health%20and%20Safety%20Specialist%204%20(41021010)