Director of Emergency Management

KLC Utilities Partnership; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 76,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Lexington Fayette Urban County Government in Lexington, KY is seeking an experienced emergency management professional to create, implement, and maintain the county's emergency management program and local emergency operations plan, including training and coordination with partners.

The role directs the Emergency Operations Center, ensures compliance with laws, develops grants and budgets, and serves as liaison to state and federal partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to the job is required.
• Six years of related experience required.
• Additional years of related education may substitute for years of experience.
• Additional years of related experience may substitute for years of education.

Responsibilities

• Develops a strategic plan for the division and supervises employees in developing and achieving goals and objectives towards the strategic plan.
• Ensures that the division maintains compliance with federal and state laws and guidance in all facets of the Emergency Management program.
• Develops and reviews grant applications for annual grants and new projects and approves financial claims for reimbursement to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Meets with various strategic partners relevant to emergency management.
• Assess training needs for staff, EOC coordinators, and other response agencies and facilitates training.
• Develops new programs, policies, or enhances existing programs with statistical analysis, new technology, or other methods.
• Attends administrative meetings, develops training, produces budgets, speaks to professional groups, public groups, and other agencies.
• Directs the Emergency Operations Center and coordinates the overall disaster situation, acts as liaison and coordinates with local, state, and federal partners.
• Performs related work as assigned

Skills

Strategic planning

Team supervision

Grant management

Training program development

Stakeholder collaboration

Policy & compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in a field related to the job

Job description

Lexington Fayette Urban County Government | Lexington, KY

Date Posted: 10/20/2026 11:50:21 AM

Description:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this classification is to create, implement, and maintain a local emergency management agency, emergency management program, emergency services organization, local emergency operations plan and center including communication systems, preparedness, and training.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to the job
• Must be a resident of Fayette County as required by KRS 39B.020
• Six years of related experience
• Additional years of related education may substitute for years of experience
• Additional years of related experience may substitute for years of education

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops a strategic plan for the division and supervises employees in developing and achieving goals and objectives towards the strategic plan
• Ensures that the division maintains compliance with federal and state laws and guidance in all facets of the Emergency Management program
• Develops and reviews grant applications for annual grants and new projects and approves financial claims for reimbursement to ensure compliance with applicable laws
• Meets with various strategic partners relevant to emergency management
• Assess training needs for staff, EOC coordinators, and other response agencies and facilitates training
• Develops new programs, policies, or enhances existing programs with statistical analysis, new technology, or other methods
• Attends administrative meetings, develops training, produces budgets, speaks to professional groups, public groups, and other agencies
• Directs the Emergency Operations Center and coordinates the overall disaster situation, acts as liaison and coordinates with local, state, and federal partners
• Performs related work as assigned

SPECIAL LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• CPR and First Aid training and certification must be completed within the first three months of employment as a condition for permanent employment

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must complete the Emergency Management Development Program for Local Directors as required by KRS 39B.020 as a condition of continued employment
• All positions require drug testing and background check before employment and may require a post-job offer physical as stated in Ordinances 21-14(b), 22-13 and 23-16

Salary Information: $76,059.36 - $114,090.08 annually
Application Deadline: 11/03/2026

Lexington Fayette Urban County Government
Human Resources
200 East Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507