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Emergency Management Director information

See Colorado salary details

$41K

$103.7K

$183K

How much do emergency management director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for emergency management director in Colorado is $103,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $127,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an emergency management director 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an emergency management director?

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 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 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.

More about Emergency Management Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Emergency Management jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Emergency Management jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Emergency Management Director jobs in Colorado?

For Emergency Management Director jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Emergency Management Director jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Emergency Management Director jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Emergency Management Director jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Emergency Management Director job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Emergency Management Director jobs in CO?

For Emergency Management Director jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Emergency Management Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Emergency Management Director job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,741 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Emergency Management Program Director

University of Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Emergency Management Program Director

Department of Public Safety

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Emergency Management Program Director to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery-a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range: $ 67,449 - $ 93,033 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location: On-Site

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

  • Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
  • Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
  • Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
  • Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
  • Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
  • Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Emergency Management Program Director at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe and secure campus environment. This position is responsible for the ongoing leadership and oversight of the university's emergency management program, which includes developing and implementing strategic plans that support UCCS's mission. The Program Director is tasked with collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, providing guidance on emergency preparedness, and ensuring the university is well-equipped to handle a variety of emergencies. The position requires strong leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across the university community.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Leadership and Program Oversight

  • Lead the Emergency Management Program, aligning its objectives with the university's mission and goals.

  • Develop and manage comprehensive emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery plans tailored to the needs of the UCCS campus.

  • Ensure the program's strategic direction is responsive to the dynamic needs of the university and its community.

Strategic Planning and Coordination:

  • Coordinate strategies to assess and manage the impacts of significant natural or human-caused events, such as mass casualty incidents, hazardous material exposures, and natural disasters.

  • Analyze complex interrelationships between multiple governmental and academic institutions to develop tailored emergency management strategies and processes.

Training and Community Engagement:

  • Provide training and education to faculty, staff, and students on emergency response plans, the Incident Command System, and other relevant topics through simulations and exercises.

  • Develop guidelines and programs to assist campus constituencies in emergency preparedness and continuity planning, ensuring all community members are equipped to respond effectively.

Collaboration and Partnership Development:

  • Serve as a liaison between UCCS and local, state, and federal emergency management agencies to foster partnerships and enhance collaborative efforts.

  • Actively participate in regional emergency preparedness activities and represent UCCS in professional organizations and committees, promoting best practices and shared learning.

Resource Management and External Relations:

  • Seek and manage resources, including grants and funding, to support the university's emergency management initiatives.

  • Oversee and coordinate external communications related to emergency management activities, ensuring transparency and alignment with UCCS's strategic objectives.

Tentative Search Timeline

  • Priority will be given to applications submitted by: September 1, 2026.
  • Potential interview dates: September 15 - 22, 2026
  • Potential start date: October 1, 2026

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, or a related field. Substitution(A combination of education and related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree on a year for year basis)

  • Must have experience in an emergency management or public safety leadership role, with a proven track record of developing and implementing emergency preparedness programs.

  • Must have experience working in environments that require strategic planning and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and internal departments.

  • Must have experience in designing and conducting training sessions, workshops, and exercises to educate various audiences on emergency management protocols and best practices.

  • Must have Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) courses: 100, 200, 300, 400,700, and 800.

  • Must have a valid Colorado driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

  • Graduate degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, or a related field is preferred.

  • Eligibility for certification from the Colorado Emergency Management Association or a similar association is preferred.

  • Experience with NIMS and Emergency Operations Center functions is preferred.

  • Experience with medical or other emergency response organizations and their operations during emergencies is preferred.

  • Experience working with diverse groups, including faculty, students, staff, and community members.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has implemented a misconduct history check program with respect to final candidates for specific appointments. The misconduct history check program is intended to allow UCCS to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination - before making hiring decisions. All final candidates to these appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information and provide contact information for their previous institutions.

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