Emergency Preparedness Specialist

University of Washington Medical Center•Bothell, WA

4d•$80,952 - $97,716

About The Position

The Department of Campus Safety has an outstanding opportunity for an Emergency Preparedness Specialist to join their team. Under the general direction of the Campus Safety Senior Director, this position plays a key role in performing a variety of specialized duties related to the planning and implementation of the institution’s safety and emergency preparedness programs. The position supports the planning, implementation, and administration of the University’s safety, emergency preparedness, and fire prevention programs. Key responsibilities include developing and refining protocols, procedures, and training materials; assisting in the creation and delivery of emergency management and fire safety training; supporting Clery Act compliance; and maintaining accurate documentation and confidential records. The role also contributes to policy development, business continuity planning, and process improvement initiatives that advance a culture of safety and preparedness across the UW Bothell and Cascadia College campuses. Working collaboratively with senior management from University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia College on Business Continuity planning, this position recommend policies and helps lead and facilitate processes to systematically assess risks and ensure appropriate risk mitigation strategies are developed and implemented. This position requires an individual with strong project management skills, a broad knowledge of emergency preparedness, and the ability to coordinate efforts across a shared campus environment. The role enhances the UW Bothell-Cascadia College campuses’ capacity to respond effectively to emergencies through leadership in the development and implementation of the Emergency Operations Plan, a Fire and Safety Evacuation Plan, and a Business Continuity Plan. The work involves high levels of collaboration, communication, and discretion, as well as the ability to translate complex regulations and requirements into clear, actionable processes and protocols. The position also plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, including the Clery Act and the Higher Education Opportunity Act, and supports the publication of required safety and emergency reports.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public administration, risk management, or a related field, and four years of professional experience in campus safety, emergency planning, or compliance roles within a university or college setting
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Nice To Haves

Credentials such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), FEMA ICS/NIMS training, or completion of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) courses.
Experience collaborating with municipal, county, or state emergency management agencies, including participation in joint exercises or mutual aid agreements.
Hands-on experience managing Clery Act reporting, audits, and training programs, as well as familiarity with the Higher Education Opportunity Act.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and implementing process improvements in safety or emergency preparedness programs.
Experience using emergency notification systems, continuity planning software, and data analysis tools to support preparedness and response efforts

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain comprehensive emergency planning and business continuity processes, ensuring stakeholder engagement and alignment with institutional priorities.
Create and implement emergency preparedness assessment frameworks; provide regular status reports and recommendations to campus leadership.
Lead risk assessment and mitigation initiatives, including policy development, interagency coordination, and documentation of procedures and workflows.
Collaborate with UW Bothell Campus Safety, UW Emergency Management, and other units to organize and deliver emergency management and safety-related training, drills, and exercises.
Document and communicate emergency policies, procedures, and response protocols clearly, including the development of flowcharts and visual aids to support understanding and execution.
Manage emergency preparedness budgets and operational logistics, including team support, supply procurement, and maintenance of readiness resources.
Coordinate Clery Act compliance activities, including annual reporting, training, and maintenance of required documentation.
Develop emergency preparedness policies and procedures, and present recommendations to leadership for review and approval.
Work closely with organizational units, community groups, and state, county, and city agencies to build broad-based support and assistance.
Evaluate existing institutional emergency plans and policies to assess long-term effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Assist department administrators in creating department-level preparedness and mitigation plans aligned with campus Hazard Mitigation and Business Continuity Plans.
Schedule and conduct emergency management training, drills, and exercises; coordinate with campus partners and the central Emergency Management office in Seattle to ensure alignment with university-wide standards.
Lead and coordinate drills and exercises with campus partners, the Evacuation Team, and the Incident Management Team to test emergency response plans at all organizational levels.
Conduct outreach activities such as presentations, seminars, orientation sessions, and development of online resources to promote emergency awareness.
Identify and secure appropriate materials, supplies, space, and responder training to support a fully functional Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Serve as Incident Commander when appropriate during emergency situations.
Ensure campus compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) through collaboration with committees, security departments, and incident management teams.
Develop clear, accessible documentation of emergency and continuity policies and procedures.
Create visual aids such as flowcharts and checklists to support understanding and implementation of policies.
Communicate updates and procedures effectively across campus using multiple channels.
Liaise with the Communications and Public Information Officer to ensure coordinated messaging during emergencies.
Collaborate with the Public Information Officer to develop and maintain clearly documented communication procedures and standards for use before, during, and after emergency events.
Coordinate annual Clery Act training sessions to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
Organize and deliver emergency management and safety-related training programs for campus personnel, including members of the Incident Management Team and Evacuation Team.
Collaborate with the central Emergency Management office in Seattle to align campus training efforts with university-wide standards and initiatives.
Maintain and update emergency preparedness content on the campus website.
Monitor and manage emergency preparedness budgets, contracts, and procurement of supplies and equipment; ensure compliance with UW fiscal policies and cost-effective resource allocation.
Prepare and maintain accurate records, forms, logs, and documentation related to emergency preparedness activities, training sessions, and compliance requirements.
Organize and maintain shared collaboration tools for emergency-related teams to support collaboration and information sharing.
Provide administrative support for emergency planning meetings, including tracking action items, and ensuring timely follow-up.
Establish cooperative agreements with local jurisdictions, higher education districts, and other partners to support mitigation and continuity planning.
Draft contractual agreements as appropriate.
Create and implement emergency preparedness assessment frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of campus plans and activities.
Conduct program evaluations and after-action reviews to identify areas for improvement and inform future planning.
Analyze data trends to inform decision-making and drive operational efficiencies in preparedness planning and response.
Prepare and deliver quarterly emergency preparedness status reports to executive leadership, including actionable recommendations.
Assist the Senior Director for Campus Safety with the annual Clery Act and other reporting as needed.
Collaborate with institutional stakeholders to identify critical functions and services that must be restored promptly during emergencies.
Determine necessary systems, contracts, and communication protocols to support timely restoration of critical services.
Develop and conduct assessments such as tabletop exercises and drills to evaluate business continuity plans and recommend improvements.
Support department managers in creating and executing business continuity plans to meet recovery time objectives.
Coordinate updates to the business continuity database to ensure accurate and current information.
Develop Hazard Mitigation Plans for FEMA and State DEM approval, incorporating business recovery and loss reduction strategies.
Identify gaps in emergency assessment, preparedness, and training; prioritize improvements.
Establish cooperative agreements with local jurisdictions, higher education districts, and other partners to support mitigation and continuity planning.
Draft contractual agreements as appropriate.
Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as directed to support campus safety and emergency preparedness initiatives.