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Emergency Management Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Focuses of continuity of operations, emergency management, disaster response and emergency notifications for the health care system. Provides system constituents with pertinent information of current ...

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Emergency Management Director information

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$39K

$98.7K

$174K

How much do emergency management director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for emergency management director in the United States is $98,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Emergency Management Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Emergency Management Director, you need expertise in disaster response planning, risk assessment, and crisis management, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and experience in emergency services. Familiarity with emergency management software (like WebEOC), FEMA guidelines, and certifications such as CEM (Certified Emergency Manager) are highly valuable. Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills help coordinate teams and effectively collaborate with government agencies and the public. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure effective preparedness, response, and recovery during emergencies, minimizing risk and protecting communities.

What does an Emergency Management Director do?

An Emergency Management Director is responsible for developing plans and procedures to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. They coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, provide training and guidance to public agencies and the community, and ensure effective communication during emergencies. Their duties also include assessing hazards, implementing preparedness programs, and managing recovery efforts after incidents. Emergency Management Directors often collaborate with government agencies, first responders, and the public to protect lives and property.

What is the difference between Emergency Management Director vs Fire Chief?

AspectEmergency Management DirectorFire Chief
CredentialsEmergency management certifications, degrees in public safety or emergency managementFire science degrees, firefighter certifications, leadership training
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, emergency response agencies, planning officesFire stations, emergency scenes, command centers
Employer & IndustryLocal, state, or federal government agenciesFire departments, municipal government

While both roles focus on public safety, the Emergency Management Director oversees overall emergency preparedness and coordination across agencies, whereas the Fire Chief manages firefighting operations and personnel within a fire department. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

What Do Emergency Management Directors Do?

An Emergency Management Director assesses and develops policies and protocols for an organization or business to follow in the event of a crisis, emergency, or natural disaster in a metropolitan area. For this job, your responsibilities include conducting assessments of current policies, suggesting changes and new strategies, and training employees on the organization’s emergency management policies. You also work with local emergency services and first responders to develop effective emergency plans. In the event of a crisis, you are in charge of enacting and executing these procedures.

What are some common challenges Emergency Management Directors face when coordinating disaster response efforts?

Emergency Management Directors often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing situations, coordinating across multiple agencies, and ensuring clear communication during high-stress events. They must balance limited resources while prioritizing public safety and adhere to local, state, and federal regulations. Building strong partnerships and conducting regular training exercises help address these challenges, but flexibility and quick decision-making remain essential skills in this role.
What cities are hiring for Emergency Management Director jobs? Cities with the most Emergency Management Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Emergency Management jobs? The most popular types of Emergency Management jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Emergency Management Director jobs? The top employers for Emergency Management Director jobs are:
What states have the most Emergency Management Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Emergency Management Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Emergency Management Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,658 per year, or $47.4 per hour.
Emergency Management Director

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

As a condition of employment all employees must pass a post offer criminal history background check, physical examination and drug screen. All employees must also submit proof of identity and employment eligibility.
Job Summary Statement:
Plans, organizes, implements, and communicates the emergency management program for county-wide preparedness and response to natural or man-made emergencies. Serves as the County's liaison on emergency preparedness issues; reviews and updates emergency management plans and procedures; coordinates training programs and emergency operations drills; assists departments with emergency and mitigation plans; manages grant application and administration; and administers submittal process for Federal and State reimbursement claims for County's costs during emergency operations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provides staff support to the County Administrator to coordinate actual or potential emergency preparedness or response efforts.
Supervises and coordinates professional, technical, and clerical personnel engaged in performing emergency preparedness, response operations and day to day operations.
Reviews and analyzes emergency management plans; makes recommendations to revise, update and improve plans to effectively handle disasters or major emergencies; develops new plans as needed; and ensures plans are current and conform with federal, state and county requirements.
Revises, updates, and/or develops county-wide emergency management standard operating policies and procedures.
Maintains necessary liaisons and coordinates cooperative activities with other municipalities, regional, state, federal and other homeland security and disaster relief organizations.
Coordinates and manages the operations of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure the Center is organized for maximum effectiveness of staff participating in disaster exercises and actual disaster events. Oversees physical plant conditions of the EOC; coordinates with City Manager, Information Technology or Facilities Management as required.
Plans, manages, and conducts emergency response training exercises involving multiple city departments, outside agencies, and local, state, and federal government personnel. Audits and evaluates departmental readiness to respond to EOC exercises and disasters.
Coordinates mutual aid responses and requests; assists in the overall management of emergency response and recovery operations; works cooperatively with Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and other agencies and jurisdictions.
Applies for and administers state, federal, civic, and other grants relating to Homeland Security and/or Disaster Preparedness including researching grant opportunities, supervising or performing grant writing activities, and monitoring grant commitments against actual activities and documenting stated accomplishments.
Administers the process for submitting federal and state reimbursement claims for County's costs during and after emergency operations.
Develops annual operating budget; manages budget execution.
Conducts risk and threat assessments, works with and advises city departments on their emergency plans and coordinates interdepartmental activities.
Represents the County on various internal and external task forces and committees through attendance at meetings, exercises, and development of necessary mutual aid agreements.
Develops educational and community outreach programs to inform citizens on overall emergency preparedness, works closely with volunteer, community, and business groups. Assists in the preparation of emergency press releases.
Reviews county, state and federal proposed legislation and provides recommendations.
Oversee the County's Outdoor Storm Warning System to include daily and monthly testing, maintenance, updating the Capital Improvements Program for new locations and equipment replacement recommendations, and coordinating communications with Bonner Springs and Edwardsville.
Monitors developing weather conditions which may impact the County, making appropriate notifications as warranted and being able to activate the EOC to an appropriate response level.
Assists in developing and reviewing both Department and Countywide business continuity plans.
The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with which interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. Must be available and in communications with City leadership on a 24/7 basis.
Assists in developing and reviewing both Department and Countywide business continuity plans.
Minimum Qualifications:
EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field of study. Master's degree in related field is preferred.
Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record.
Must possess certificate for ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
Must possess certificate for FEMA Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program (HSEEP); Master Trainer Program and/or Master Exercise Practitioner; or be eligible to obtain within 36 months of hire.
Additional FEMA courses are desirable.
A Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification is required within five years from date of hire.
EXPERIENCE:
Five years of supervisory experience in emergency/disaster management to include emergency planning, implementation of plans and procedures, training and exercises and emergency communications.
SKILLS:
Emergency planning and operations' management
Coordinating disaster recovery operations
Operating Emergency Operations Center.
Effective oral and written communication skills
Effective listening skills
Effective interpersonal skills
Organization and presentation skills
Leadership skills
Training & exercise development
Basic understanding of weather systems
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and directives relating to emergency planning and preparedness.
Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to evaluate emergency situations and recommend courses of actions.
Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.
Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
Abstract and logical reasoning.
Ability to train and guide others.
Ability to organize and retrieve data effectively.
Alpha and numeric recognition.
Ability to meet deadlines.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):
Volunteers
Qualified CERT personnel
Salary Range:
$ 38.50 -$59.88/hr.
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values an inclusive workforce.
If you need to reach a member of the Human Resources staff, please call (913) 573-5660 or email jobs@wycokck.org.
Company: Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS