Director, Resilience & Emergency Management

Southern Methodist University•Dallas, TX

34d

About The Position

Leads the University's integrated programs for resilience, continuity, and emergency management operations, ensuring institutional compliance with federal, state, and local emergency management requirements, including those associated with SMU's DHS SAFETY Act designation. This position ensures that SMU can anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions while protecting people, property, and mission-critical functions. Manages the University Operations Center during game days, large-scale, and high-risk events; oversees the fire and life-safety program t; and directs the SMU Aware program, ensuring campus-wide preparedness and effective emergency communication. The Director develops, implements, and maintains Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) for all University units, leads after-action and corrective-action processes that drive institutional learning, and ensures continuous alignment with policy.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree is required and a minimum of seven (7) years of professional work experience is required.
Candidate must demonstrate ability to influence others, make decisions, identify threats and analyze data.
Candidate should have strong written and verbal communication skills.
Candidate must possess problem solving, time management and project management skills.
Attention to detail is a must.
Candidate should be skilled in the MS Office suite as well as be technical adept in various database applications - including emergency notification and emergency
Sit for long periods of time
Bend, squat, stand, kneel
Crawl, climb, push/pull
Walk for long distances
Carry/lift over 50lbs
Around moving machinery
Exposure to marked changes in temperature/humidity
Exposure to dust, fumes, gasses, radiation, microwave
Drives motorized equipment
Work in confined quarters

Nice To Haves

A master's degree is preferred; preferably in emergency management and planning, business, science or engineering.
Candidate with previous experience in development of and management of a comprehensive emergency management program and business continuity experience in government, corporate or higher ed is desired.
Candidate with CEM, CSP or CBCP certifications is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of the University's resilience and continuity programs.
Partner with all divisions and departments to develop, test, and maintain COOPs, ensuring compliance with SMU Policy and national best practices.
Plan, staff, and direct the University Operations Center for athletic game days, special events, and other large-scale or high-risk activities.
Supervise the Fire Safety Manager and provide strategic oversight of all fire prevention and life-safety programs.
Lead or support activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies and crises.
Direct and enhance the SMU Aware program, including emergency notifications, preparedness messaging, website content, and outreach campaigns.
Oversee the preparation of After-Action Reports (AARs) and ensure Corrective Actions are tracked, implemented, and validated.
Identify and execute mitigation projects that reduce risk and enhance resilience.
Lead training, drills, and exercises to strengthen University-wide preparedness and promote an agile, engaged safety culture.

Benefits

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits.
In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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