SMC EM Emergency Coordinator - Unclassified (Open)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

San Mateo County Emergency Management (SMC EM) operates like a startup within the public sector, building innovative programs, forging cross-sector partnerships, and redefining modern emergency management. The Emergency Coordinator is a crucial operational role within SMC EM, requiring significant experience in crisis situations and a proven ability to adapt under pressure. This position involves planning, writing, briefing, and executing strategies across a complex Operational Area. The role demands versatility, moving between strategic planning, policy translation, exercise coordination, and detailed memo drafting. Key attributes for success include strong judgment, prioritization skills, adaptability, and the ability to produce results in uncertain environments.

Requirements

Working command of the planning cycle, with experience leading or contributing substantively to plan development.
Familiarity with the five Emergency Management Sections (Management, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Admin) and the Incident Command System.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills, with a track record of identifying issues, generating options, and driving resolution under pressure.
Strong communicator across diverse audiences, with experience adapting message and tone for senior executives, political leaders, operational area partners, chiefs, and the public.
Excellent written communication skills, including reports, briefings, plans, and professional correspondence.
Ability to work across a wide variety of settings (field, office, EOC) and disciplines (law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, public health).
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, emergency management or related discipline.
One year of experience assisting in program planning, development, and budgeting in a public, military, or private organization, preferably related to emergency/disaster planning and management.

Nice To Haves

5 years of professional experience, with at least 2 years dedicated to emergency management, disaster operations, homeland security, public safety, or military operations.
Master's Degree in emergency management, public administration, public policy, homeland security, public health, communications, or a related field.
Completion of ICS Courses 100, 200, 700, and 800 (or ability to complete within the first 90 days).
Exercise design and execution experience (tabletops, functional, full-scale) aligned with HSEEP.
Formal project management experience, including managing scope, schedule, and stakeholders across complex initiatives.
Hands-on experience with alert and warning systems (IPAWS, WEA, EAS, mass notification platforms).
Experience working across multiple jurisdictions or within a complex multi-agency operational environment.
Training instruction or curriculum development experience.
A valid California Driver's License.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to the full planning cycle for operational plans, annexes, and frameworks, translating federal and state guidance into practical documents.
Coordinate reviews and revisions with internal staff and external partners, building consensus and maintaining quality.
Maintain a working understanding of the threat and hazard landscape facing San Mateo County to ensure plans reflect current risks.
Brief and present to varied audiences, including senior county leadership, elected officials, fire and law chiefs, operational area partners, community organizations, and the public.
Produce clear, accurate written products on tight timelines, such as memos, briefings, plans, talking points, and after-action reports.
Represent SMC EM credibly in working groups, advisory committees, and external meetings.
Maintain steady, professional communication with partners across all 20 cities and 18 unincorporated communities.
Carry assigned projects from initiation through completion, owning timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder coordination.
Manage multiple concurrent priorities without compromising quality or partner engagement.
Identify obstacles early, problem-solve collaboratively, and escalate when necessary.
Document work, hand off cleanly, and build for future continuity.
Contribute to the design, development, facilitation, and evaluation of exercises aligned with HSEEP standards.
Support training programs for staff, partners, and the broader Operational Area.
Participate in a weekly on-call rotation, maintaining 24-hour readiness and responding to emergencies or disasters.
Participate in after-action reviews and improvement planning, treating lessons learned as a discipline.