Job Listings

Director, Emergency Management & Public Safety

Company:
Des Moines Area Community College
Job Location:
Category:
Police and Public Safety
Type:
Full-Time

Quick Link for Postings: https://jobs.dmacc.edu/postings/14042

Starting Salary: $87,542 – $95,267

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, day hours.

Deadline for Submitting Applications: 11/17/2025

Job Summary

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the College’s emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation programs. Develop and maintain comprehensive emergency management plans and campus-wide training to ensure a coordinated and effective response to all hazards. Work collaboratively with college departments, local and state agencies, and public safety partners to enhance campus resilience and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. Oversee emergency communications, crisis response coordination, and after-action review processes to promote a culture of districtwide safety and preparedness. Lead and direct all campus public safety functions to ensure a safe and secure learning and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Develop and implement procedures and training programs that promote safety, compliance, and community engagement.

Essential Functions

Develop, implement, maintain, and update the Campus Emergency Operations Plan (CEOP). Establish emergency response procedures with an “all hazards” approach. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local emergency management regulations (e.g., FEMA, DHS, ICS/NIMS, etc.). Design and conduct emergency drills and tabletop exercises. Provide or coordinate training programs on emergency procedures and safety awareness. Evaluate exercises to identify strengths, weaknesses, and corrective actions. Direct and manage emergency operations during incidents or disasters. Activate and oversee the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), serving as the EOC Director, and coordinate campus emergency response. Coordinate mutual aid and resource sharing with partner organizations and neighboring jurisdictions. Oversee College emergency notification systems (e.g., mass notification, text/email alerts, panic alarms, sirens, website, social media, etc.). Develop public information materials and crisis communication plans and coordinate public messaging during emergencies.

Provide strategic leadership and management of the College’s Public Safety Department. Develop, implement, maintain, and update, standard operating procedures (SOP), and protocols to ensure a safe and secure campus environment. Oversee the College’s third-party campus security contract (including security officers and dispatch). Develop and maintain the department’s mission, goals, and performance metrics aligned with the College’s objectives. Oversee access control, surveillance cameras, and other security systems to protect students, staff, visitors, and property. Serve as the College’s liaison and coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement and first responder agencies as needed. Ensure operational readiness of the Public Safety team. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations including preparing and publishing the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (ASFSR), and oversee timely warnings, crime logs, incident reporting, and other Clery Act compliance. Develop and implement long-term strategies for enhancing campus security infrastructure. Evaluate and recommend improvements in security technology and communication systems. Communicate effectively during emergencies and ensure accurate dissemination of information to the campus community. Build and maintain positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff to promote a culture of safety and trust.

Prepare and manage the Emergency Management and Public Safety budgets and actively research grant opportunities. Maintain records, reports, and compliance documentation. Provide regular reports and briefings to the Executive Committee, college leadership, Board of Directors, etc. Serve as member of the Board Security Committee. Lead the College’s Campus Safety and Security Committee. Collaborate with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, etc. on behavioral intervention, threat assessment, and workplace safety initiatives.

Manage and supervise Emergency Management & Public Safety department employees. Recommend personnel actions related to hiring, compensation, performance evaluations, training, leaves, discipline, grievances, work schedules and assignments. Administer personnel and related policies and procedures per the CBA and the EEO/AA plan. Coordinate with contractors and vendors.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Public Safety, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Business Administration, Management, Communications or related field. Combination of education and/or additional related work experience may substitute for the degree (6 months of work experience is equivalent to 15 semester credits).
  • Three years of relevant work experience.
  • Large measure of diplomacy, independent work ethic, good judgment capabilities, and the ability to maintain positive public relations.
  • ICS/NIMS certification (ICS-100, 200, 300, 400; IS-700, 800) required, or attained within 6 months after hire.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with technology, including experience with software applications specific to Emergency Management and Public Safety.
  • Knowledge of emergency management principles, FEMA guidelines, and the National Response Framework.
  • Knowledge of emergency notification and incident management systems.
  • Experience conducting emergency exercises and after-action reviews.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret technical data and to communicate with technical and non-technical individuals.
  • Commitment to irregular hours as needed (e.g., evenings, weekends, and holidays).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a professional and customer focused working relationship with a wide variety of individuals coming from varied backgrounds.

Desired Qualifications

  • Completion of FEMA’s Professional Development Series (PDS), Advanced Professional Series (APS), or equivalent training.
  • Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) credential preferred.
  • Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management, public safety, or crisis response.
  • Experience in a higher education institution.

Special Instructions to Applicants

DMACC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

THIS VACANCY REQUIRES: 1) A complete DMACC Employment Application in English (personal information, educational history, employment history, and supplemental questions). Incomplete applications and commenting “See Resume” will not be accepted. The application form will be used to screen applicants for required qualifications. 2) Attachment of transcripts to your electronic application (if required). Transcripts must include the applicant’s name and degrees conferred. Scanned copies are acceptable.

Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

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