Job Description

Purpose:

Under the direction of the Director, this position oversees the operations of the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM), including emergency preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, prevention, and continuity planning.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs emergency operations activities to ensure preparedness, and efficient and effective response.
• Prepares short- and long-range planning goals and objectives for emergency response operations.
• Oversees the accomplishment of goals, objectives, and resource requirements for HSEM activities.
• Ensures compliance with city, state and federal government rules and regulations.
• Assists in the preparation and monitoring of the operating budget; identifies budgetary needs.
• Coordinates and collaborates with multiple stakeholders on interdepartmental and interagency issues, projects, and protocols.
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and implements improvement strategies.
• Represents the department before the Mayor and Council, City departments, County, State and Federal officials, customers, professional associations, and the general public.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge and understanding of technical requirements, logistics, materials and operations, policies, rules, regulations, and laws associated with emergency management and preparedness activities and programs.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of the principals and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications. Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in management of emergency-related incidents.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in problem-solving.
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with elected officials, city employees and the public.
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Ability to handle sensitive, highly-nuanced interactions during situations/events that may be complex, stressful, and/or unfamiliar.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Liberal Arts, Public Administration, Business Management, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, or in a field related to the job, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible work in emergency management/public safety administration, two (2) years of which were in a managerial capacity.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Associate Emergency Manager, Certified Texas Emergency Manager or Certified Emergency Manager or ability to be certified within two (2) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive background in emergency management experience at the managerial or executive level.
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
• Completion of FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) courses 100–400 and National Incident Management System (NIMS) course 700.
• Strong understanding of Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and other federal grant funding programs.

Notes To Candidate

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is committed to enhancing the city’s readiness and resilience by planning and preparing for emergencies, educating the public on disaster preparedness, developing a trained volunteer network, and managing grant funding to strengthen public safety and homeland security capabilities. The office also coordinates emergency response and recovery operations, supports planned events, and works closely with public agencies and community partners to protect the Austin community when it is most at risk. Guided by its vision of a disaster-prepared and resilient community, HSEM serves as the central coordinating hub for preparedness, response, recovery, and public education during any emergency or disaster that disrupts the community.
 

The Position

Under the direction of the Director, this position oversees the operations of the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM), including emergency preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, prevention, and continuity planning.

Salary Range: $162,000 to $172,000 annually

Location: 5010 Old Manor Rd #330, Austin, TX 78723

Days and Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Monday – Friday

*Hours may vary depending upon business needs. This position is on-site.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, equity-driven leader with extensive experience in emergency management, organizational operations, and community resilience. This individual brings deep expertise in crisis response, intergovernmental coordination, and program implementation within complex public sector environments. They excel in collaborative settings, building trust with diverse communities and key stakeholders while leveraging data and technology to inform decisions and enhance preparedness. With a strong foundation in strategic planning, federal grant administration, and workforce development, the Assistant Director will play a critical role in advancing the department’s vision and operational effectiveness. A hands-on and inclusive leader, they will inspire staff, strengthen internal systems, and drive results that prioritize safety, equity, and public service.
 

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Strategic Leadership & Operational Management – Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity by aligning strategic vision with day-to-day operations, managing high-performing teams, and streamlining internal systems to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Response – Extensive experience directing large-scale emergency management programs, including preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery, with a focus on resilience and continuity of operations.
• Grants & Federal Funding Administration – Deep understanding of UASI and other federal grant programs, with the ability to navigate complex compliance requirements, maximize funding impact, and align resources with community risk profiles.
• Community Engagement & Public Trust – Skilled in cultivating strong partnerships with diverse communities and stakeholder groups, advancing transparency, and translating input into actionable emergency management strategies.
• Training, Exercises & Workforce Readiness – Proven success in designing, implementing, and refining departmental training and exercise programs to ensure staff readiness and regulatory compliance.
• Inclusive & Participative Leadership – A collaborative leader who champions equity, fosters team cohesion, and supports professional development while empowering staff to deliver results with integrity and innovation.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Résumé and Cover Letter are required.
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
• Successful candidates must pass a a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
• A first review of candidates will occur on August 15, 2025. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.

Note: Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act.

About City of Austin

The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin’s mayor is elected from the city at large, and ten council members are elected from single-member districts. Terms of the mayor and council members are four years, and terms are staggered so that a general election is held every two years, with half the council being elected at each election. Term limits for the mayor and council members provide for two consecutive four-year terms. The City Council is responsible for the appointment of the City Manager, who is the Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the City, City Clerk, City Auditor, Municipal Court Judges, and the Municipal Court Clerk.To learn more about the dynamic City of Austin, visit austintexas.gov.

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