Operational Planning Manager

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Wellness rewards

Health savings account

Deferred compensation 457(b)

Pension plans

Leave policies

Paid holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

The State of Indiana is seeking an Operational Planning Manager to develop and maintain preparedness plans for natural, man‑made, and technological disasters, with a primary focus on CBRNE incidents.

You will coordinate planning efforts with internal and external partners, support SEOC operations during activations and exercises, and apply advanced research and analytical skills to create evidence‑based solutions.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of planning techniques and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of urban planning, transportation planning and state/local economic and industrial development.
• Basic knowledge of emergency disaster, emergency cause and effect and procedures and methodology to minimize adverse effects.
• Ability to use fact-finding and analysis to interpret statistics and trends concerning population centers.
• Ability to explain programs and secure cooperation between local, state, and federal government and private executives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and through structured media.
• Ability to develop feasible techniques and methods to achieve plan solutions.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret federal and state laws, guidelines, and regulations relative to disaster planning and operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work of lower-level workers and assist in complex or unusual situations.
• Develop comprehensive emergency tactical and operational plans, statewide analyses, and evaluations.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to ensure consistency, feasibility, flexibility, and interoperability of all operational or tactical plans.
• Coordinate with the timetable and execution of tabletop, functional and full-scale exercises for the emergency plans.
• Provide guidance to political sub-divisions of the state to enable each jurisdiction to develop area plans.
• Head planning teams to meet these requirements.
• Coordinate, promote and manage district level training and exercise training programs.
• Assist local, state, and federal partners in developing and conducting training exercises at the state and regional level.
• Prepare short- and long-range training plans for state and local responders.
• Required travel to scheduled exercise sites to act as facilitator, controller, or evaluator.

Skills

Planning basics

Urban planning

Emergency planning

Analytical skills

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Job description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About The Indiana Department Of Homeland Security (IDHS)

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads Indiana's emergency planning and operations, first responder training, and fire and building safety. The Indiana State Fire Marshal leads the Division of Fire and Building Safety (within IDHS), which oversees the enforcement of building codes and includes a fire investigations unit. The agency certifies and trains thousands of first responders and also hosts state-level exercises each year. IDHS also supports the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which leads response and coordination efforts for large-magnitude incidents.

Role Overview

The Operational Planning Manager develops, maintains, and improves preparedness plans for natural, man‑made, and technological disasters, with a primary focus on CBRNE incidents. The role involves coordinating planning efforts with internal and external partners, supporting SEOC operations during activations and exercises, and applying advanced research and analytical skills to create evidence‑based solutions. Strong writing, communication, and organizational abilities are essential for producing clear, high‑quality planning products. This position reports directly to the State Planning Director.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day In The Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Coordinate work of lower-level workers and assists in complex or unusual situations.
• Develop comprehensive emergency tactical and operational plans, statewide analyses, and evaluations.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to ensure consistency, feasibility, flexibility, and interoperability of all operational or tactical plans.
• Coordinate with the timetable and execution of tabletop, functional and full-scale exercises for the emergency plans.
• Provide guidance to political sub-divisions of the state to enable each jurisdiction to develop area plans.
• Head planning teams to meet these requirements.
• Coordinate, promote and manage district level training and exercise training programs.
• Assist local, state, and federal partners in developing and conducting training exercises at the state and regional level.
• Prepare short- and long-range training plans for state and local responders.
• Required travel to scheduled exercise sites to act as facilitator, controller, or evaluator.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need For Success

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Basic knowledge of planning techniques and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of urban planning, transportation planning and state and local economic and industrial development.
• Basic knowledge of emergency disaster, emergency cause and effect and procedures and methodology to minimize adverse effects.
• Ability to use the techniques of fact-finding and analysis to interpret statistical information and trends concerning the physical, social, and economic aspects of population centers.
• Ability to explain the programs and secure cooperation between local, state, and federal government and private executives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and through structured media.
• Ability to develop feasible techniques and methods to achieve plan solutions.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret federal and state laws, guidelines, and regulations relative to disaster planning and operations.

A Degree Is Not Required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .