EMS Director

Clemson University; Clemson (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University in Clemson, SC seeks an experienced EMS leader to provide strategic oversight of EMS operations within the Fire Department–University integrated system. You will ensure clinical quality, regulatory compliance, and performance standards across the EMS program.

Responsibilities include developing policies, leading QA/QI efforts, coordinating with the Training Officer, and aligning EMS activities with campus safety objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Health or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years EMS/Fire-EMS leadership experience.
• State Licensed EMT or Paramedic; NRP preferred or required per HR.
• Knowledge of EMS regulations, incident command and emergency operations.

Responsibilities

• QA/QI program development and performance management.
• Oversee EMS operations, readiness, deployment, and campus integration.
• Develop EMS policies, procedures, and clinical governance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with DHEC, OSHA, HIPAA, DEA, etc.
• Provide EMS training guidance and coordinate interdepartmental activities.

Skills

EMS leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Incident command

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Science/Emergency Management

Master's degree preferred

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations within a Fire Department–University integrated system. Ensures EMS operations, compliance, clinical quality, and regulatory requirements are met in accordance with local, state, and federal standards.

This position establishes EMS policies, protocols, and performance expectations, and maintains authority over EMS compliance and system operations. Works in coordination with the Fire & EMS Training Officer, who is responsible for implementation and delivery of training programs. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

Clinical Quality Assurance & Performance Management (QA/QI) – 20%Develops and manages EMS quality assurance and quality improvement programs.
Conducts patient care report reviews, incident evaluations, and system performance analysis.
Identifies trends and performance gaps and establishes corrective actions.
Provides QA/QI findings and performance data to the Training Officer to support development of targeted training initiatives.
Ensures continuous improvement of patient care delivery and clinical outcomes.EMS Operations & Program Management – 30%
Oversees all EMS operations, including response readiness, deployment strategies, and integration with fire suppression and campus public safety operations.
Develops and implements operational plans for EMS delivery across campus, including high-risk environments (labs, athletics, housing, events).
Manages EMS equipment lifecycle, procurement, maintenance, and system readiness.
Coordinates EMS response planning for major events and campus activities.
Ensures alignment of EMS operations with university safety objectives and fire department mission.Policy Development & Clinical Governance – 15%Develops, implements, and maintains EMS protocols, policies, and procedures.
Establishes standards for patient care, medication administration, infection control, and operational practices.
Collaborates with medical direction to ensure clinical protocols reflect current evidence-based practices.
Maintains authority over EMS clinical and operational policy decisions.Compliance, Regulatory Oversight & Accreditation – 25%Serves as the primary authority for EMS compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (SC DHEC, OSHA, HIPAA, DEA, etc.).
Maintains EMS licensure, permits, and regulatory documentation.
Oversees controlled substances program, including storage, tracking, and reporting.
Ensures EMS operations meet accreditation and inspection standards.
Establishes compliance expectations and monitors adherence across the organization.Training Oversight & Interdepartmental Coordination – 10%Establishes EMS training standards, priorities, and compliance requirements.
Provides guidance and direction to the Fire & EMS Training Officer regarding EMS training needs and program objectives.
Ensures training programs meet regulatory and operational requirements.

JOB CODE:

AH50

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Regular FTE Staff

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Health, or related field.

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in EMS, Fire/EMS, or emergency medical operations, including leadership responsibilities.

• State Licensed EMT or Paramedic
• National Registry Paramedic (NRP) (preferred or required based on HR classification)
• Knowledge of EMS regulations, incident command systems, and emergency operations
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Health Administration, or related field
• 10+ years progressive EMS leadership experience
• Experience managing EMS compliance programs (DHEC, DEA)
• Advanced certifications (CEM, EFO, CPM, HazMat Technician)
• ACLS, controlled substance management certification
• Firefighter certification (I or II)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: 100%

WORKING CONDITIONS:

None: %

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours:

40

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range

$79,600.00 - $111,500.00

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson’s compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

Essential Support - In the event of an emergency closure or modified operations, this position is necessary to maintain/resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

November 22, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency

Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference:

South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full‑time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.