Emergency Preparedness Coordinator - UMass Amherst : Job Details

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Emergency Management, the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator contributes to the campus' emergency management program. This position partners with departments and internal stakeholders to implement procedures for preparation, response and recovery to crisis or sudden risks, specifically campus emergencies and disasters. The position upholds systems for safety and wellbeing of the campus community through dedicated 24x7 on-call emergency support service. Additionally, this position maintains the operational readiness of the campus Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Essential Functions

• Responds to emergency calls and deploys appropriate solutions.
• Responsible for 24x7 on-call emergency support to assist with preparedness, response and recovery efforts when activated or assigned by management.
• Allocates and activates appropriate resources including physical onsite presence and/or virtual presence. May travel to various locations as needed for emergency response activities, training, and meetings. May operate university owned vehicle as business needs dictate.
• Coordinates with local, state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations to ensure effective emergency response and recovery efforts.
• Develops situation status reports, incident action plans and other emergency related documents prior to, during, or following a campus emergency or disaster.
• Conducts risk assessments to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities within the community.
• Develops, implements, and maintains specialized emergency management plans and procedures.
• Manages the University enterprise radio system, including monitoring inventory, coordinating service calls, and facilitating department purchases.
• Coordinates the UMass Amherst Emergency Management community outreach program, including trainings, materials, and engagement opportunities with faculty, staff, and students.
• Serves as a member of the campus Demonstration Response and Safety Team and assists in the development of materials, community engagement and support for campus events.
• Assists in the application management of the campus emergency notification system.
• Performs and develops exercises and drills to test the effectiveness of emergency response strategies.
• Represents the UMass Amherst Emergency Management Program at University meetings, functions, or civic engagement as assigned by the Assistant Director.
• Maintains websites and communications, ensures that valid, up-to-date and relevant information and resources are included.
• Applies knowledge of campus policies to ensure compliance and understanding.
• Organizes equipment and materials used for community outreach and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• Organizes programs that contribute toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
• Fosters relationships with students/student groups to enable respectful advocacy of viewpoints and supports the campus commitment to free speech and sharing of ideas in a respectful way.
• Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
• Monitors evolving trends, emerging practices, and best practices in the areas of emergency preparedness, health and safety, both generally and specific to higher education setting.
• Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university-related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Other Functions

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree, plus one to-three years' work experience in a related field.
• Possess a valid Class D driver's license and ability to pass a baseline physical exam.
• Strong knowledge of emergency management principles, practices, and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills for engaging a broad group of stakeholders.
• Ability to quickly assess, clearly convey information and problem solve in complex situations through effective listening, consultation, data analysis, and critical thinking skills.
• An enthusiastic work ethic and the ability to effectively mitigate potentially stressful situations.
• Ability to promote and assure continuous improvement. Establish and maintain productive relationships with a full range of personnel that reflect a strong commitment to customer service and collegiality.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in word processing, spreadsheets, and various computer data management systems used in professional management organizations.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree in emergency management, public administration, criminal justice or a related field.
• Possess a professional emergency management certification or equivalent.
• Skills in leading teams, making decisions under pressure, and managing crisis situations.
• Experience in the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Thorough knowledge of Federal laws and regulations pertaining to areas of responsibility applicable to a University setting. Additional knowledge of Massachusetts state laws and local codes.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday, First Shift.
• Night and weekend hours may be required as business needs dictate.

Salary Information

Level 28

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.