Assistant Director, Emergency Management

UCLA; 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 across the university. You will oversee emergency planning, training, exercises, and EOC operations while collaborating with departments and external partners, including for major events like LA28.

This role provides critical support to campus leadership and labor relations during labor-related events and requires proactive, calm leadership.

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 across the university.
• Oversee emergency planning, training, exercises, and EOC operations.
• Collaborate across the university and with external partners, including during major events.
• Provide critical, confidential operational support to campus leadership and Employee & Labor Relations during labor-related events.

Skills

SEMS/NIMS/ICS knowledge

Leadership & supervision

Crisis response

Communication skills

Strategic planning

MS Office / Adobe / software

CA Driver’s License

Emergency trainings & exercises

Education

CA noncommercial Class C License

FEMA/ EMI MEPP (Preferred)

IAEM AEM or CEM credential (Preferred)

Tools

Emergency management software

Mass notification platforms

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

Complete Position Description

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