Director of Risk Management and Preparedness

Town of Fairfield; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Fairfield is seeking a dedicated Emergency Management Director to oversee risk management initiatives and coordinate emergency response planning. This managerial role involves working closely with local agencies to ensure public safety and effective risk mitigation strategies. Qualified candidates will have a strong background in emergency management and operational risk assessment, along with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in emergency management or public safety.
• Experience must include five years of supervisory/managerial experience.
• Valid CT driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement risk management strategies.
• Evaluate and mitigate legal, financial, operational, and safety risks.
• Support community preparedness efforts.

Skills

Risk assessment

Emergency response planning

Claims oversight

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Risk Management, Public Safety, Emergency Management

Job description

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This position reports to the Capital Projects & Operations Manager and the Director is responsible for identifying and mitigating operational, legal, infrastructure, and public safety risks, establishing internal controls, and managing liability and insurance claims. This role also supports Fairfield's emergency preparedness planning and response efforts working closely with the Emergency Management Director and their team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement, and monitor town wide risk management strategies and policies
• Evaluate and mitigate potential legal, financial, operational, and safety-related risks
• Establish and oversee the claims management process in coordination with HR, legal, and insurance partners
• Establish a data driven approach for risk and safety for the Town of Fairfield and its residents
• Implement a systematic, continuous improvement in both processes and approach for risk and safety initiatives
• Engage in the Town’s risk planning at the department level, to include assistance with business continuity and other plans that may be required
• Serve as one of the Town’s Deputy Emergency Management Directors and support activation of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
• Lead efforts in Traffic Incident Management to enhance coordination, safety, and response
• Support risk-reduction strategies aligned with Vision Zero and Safe Streets.
• Conduct post-incident analysis and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare risk reports and support department heads in implementing mitigation measures
• Support community preparedness efforts, including public education and drills

The duties and job functions listed above are intended only as general illustrations of the various types of work that may be required to be performed. Specific statements of duties not included does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Job descriptions are subject to change by the Town as the needs of the Town and requirements of the job change.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Expertise in risk assessment, liability management, emergency response planning and claims oversight;
• Ability to coordinate with internal departments and outside agencies under pressure;
• Knowledge of insurance processes, legal exposure reduction, and emergency response frameworks;
• Knowledge of local and state laws and legislation impacting public safety and law enforcement;
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, regulations, and ordinances on the local, State, and Federal level as they apply to the operation of municipal government;
• Knowledge of emergency preparedness operations requirements pertaining to the Town;
• Strong analytical skills to assess complex risks;
• Leadership abilities to guide risk management initiatives;
• Must have knowledge of principles and practices of risk management, loss control claims management protection programs;
• Proven ability to analyze municipal risks and develop risk management policies;

• Strong communication (written and verbal) with experience in public policy, municipal operations, or infrastructure planning

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES and/or CERTIFICTIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work inRisk Management, Public Safety, Emergency Management, or related field.
• Minimum:Five (5) years of experience in emergency management,emergency planning, or public safety
  including five years of supervisory/managerial experience.
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential or certified business continuity practitioner.
• Training certificates in ICS, SEMS, NIMS, NDMS, the FEMA series, or related training programsor obtainable (100–400, IS-700/800).
• Valid CT driver’s license.
• Will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Must be available for emergency activations and major incident responses
• Work includes both office settings and field operations during active emergencies or reviews

SCHEDULE

• Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

PAY

• $100,000-120,000/Annually

AFFILIATION

• FLSA exempt-managerial position