Emergency Manager

City of Norman; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Norman is seeking an experienced Emergency Manager to lead the City’s comprehensive emergency management program, overseeing preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery while ensuring compliance with NIMS, ICS, and OEM regulations.

The role serves as the principal advisor to the City Manager and elected officials on disaster readiness and community resilience, coordinating with agencies, departments, and partners to strengthen continuity and public safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Homeland Security, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in emergency management or related public safety roles.
• Experience in interagency planning, hazard mitigation, large-scale event coordination, and familiarity with OK OEM.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the City’s Emergency Management Program and maintain the EOP/ Hazard Mitigation Plan/ COOP.
• Maintain the EOC in readiness; activate and manage EOC operations during emergencies.
• Coordinate training, drills, tabletop exercises, and full-scale operations; educate the community on preparedness.

Skills

Leadership

Coordination

Communication

Analytical

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Emergency management software

Alert/notification systems

GIS tools

Public safety communications systems

Job description

The City of Norman is seeking an experienced and highly capable Emergency Manager to lead, coordinate, and maintain the City’s comprehensive emergency management program. This position oversees preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts while ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements, including National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) regulations. Serves as the principal advisor to the City Manager, executive leadership, and elected officials regarding emergency preparedness, disaster response, continuity of government, continuity of operations, and community resilience.

Work Period:

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Must be available for 24-hour on‑call response to perform emergency management duties.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Homeland Security, or a related field. Master’s degree in a related field preferred. Five or more years of experience in emergency management or similar public safety roles. Experience in interagency planning, hazard mitigation, large‑scale event coordination and working within Oklahoma emergency management systems or municipal government preferred.

License and Certifications:

Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record (out‑of‑state applicants must obtain an Oklahoma Driver’s license. FEMAICS/NIMS certifications (ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 required). Oklahoma Certified Emergency Manager (OCEM) or ability to obtain certification, requiring two years of emergency management experience within Oklahoma and completion of required training. IAEM Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) preferred.

Knowledge:

Knowledge of emergency management software, alert and notification systems, GIS tools, and public safety communication systems.

Skills:

Strong leadership, coordination, communication, and analytical skills. Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and respond to emergencies outside regular hours. skilled in anticipating needs of the organization and community; takes proactive steps to meet needs and problem‑solve.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Administration

Direct and manage the City’s Emergency Management Program, including development, annual review, and maintenance of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Ensure the City’s emergency plans meet or exceed federal regulatory requirements under NIMS andICS. Coordinate with city departments, local jurisdictions, county officials, state agencies, community partners, and federal entities such as FEMA.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management

Maintain the City’s EOC in a constant state of readiness, including equipment, layout, and operational procedures. Activate and manage EOC operations during emergencies.

Develop and conduct training, drills, tabletop exercises, and full‑scale operations to validate emergency plans. Provide community education on emergency preparedness through presentations, public events, and media communications.

Response & Recovery Coordination

Serve as the City’s subject matter expert during emergency activations; conduct and coordinate damage assessments and post‑incident reviews. Manage documentation and submission of federal and state reimbursement claims.

Grant & Budget Administration

Identify, pursue, and manage emergency preparedness grants, ensuring compliance with federal and state grant requirements. Prepare and manage annual budget proposals for emergency management operations.

Inter-Department and Interagency Coordination

Coordinate among all departments within the city to identify needs in advance of disasters and closely manage/coordinate response following an event. Collaborate closely with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and other agencies (colleges and universities, public schools, county, public hospitals, etc.) to ensure statewide compliance and continuity. Works closely with the Office of Communications to prioritize effective public information or instruction for the community before, during and after emergency events. Performs miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned.