Homeland Security Program Manager

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

2d

About The Position

The City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is seeking a Homeland Security Program Manager to support the development, strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated public safety preparedness program for emergency incidents in Philadelphia. The role operates in a team-oriented, fast-paced public safety environment and supports preparedness, response, and recovery coordination. The successful candidate will manage two staff positions supporting the portfolio and report to the First Deputy Director.

The position involves developing and maintaining emergency management and homeland security plans, coordinating with government and community partners, supporting risk and capability assessments, planning public safety operations for significant events, and designing training and exercises. The employee may periodically serve on on-call field response teams and work outside normal business hours, including during emergencies and activations of the Emergency Operations Center. Philadelphia residency is required within six months of hire. The role requires a background investigation and the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience with approval by MDO-OEM and the Office of Human Resources.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.
• Professional conduct, accountability, time-management skills, and ability to maintain confidentiality and establish need-to-know arrangements with partners.
• Ability to work independently, multitask, complete work on time, contribute to a team, and coordinate diverse groups toward common goals.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and develop partnerships.
• Ability to interpret federal and state emergency management requirements and regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook, and ability to use other web-based platforms for information collection and submission.
• Valid proper-class motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six months of hire.
• Complete FEMA Independent Study courses IS 100.a, 200.a, 700.a, and 800.b within the first month of appointment.
• Successfully complete a background investigation and be able to obtain a security clearance.
• Become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire; the posting states there are no exceptions.
• Ability to physically perform duties during and outside normal business hours, indoors or outdoors, and to serve periodically in on-call response work.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, during states of emergency or city closures, and under altered assignments, schedules, or reporting structures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within an emergency management or other public safety organization.
• Familiarity with the City of Philadelphia and/or the SEPARTF.
• Experience with THIRA/SPR, the Homeland Security Grant Program, RCPGP, or NSGP.
• Experience conducting risk assessments, SWOT analysis, or similar efforts.
• Experience interpreting and executing federal and state guidance.
• Experience coordinating large groups in collaborative, long-term, recurring efforts.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and, upon activation, implement emergency management and homeland security plans, protocols, and policies.
• Work with federal, state, regional, and local partners on preparedness, threat and hazard discussions, information sharing, and capability development.
• Support planning and analysis related to critical infrastructure security, operational coordination, public information, and situational assessment.
• Coordinate interagency planning and develop public safety event action plans for major or significant events.
• Manage and contribute to the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) data-call process, gathering, organizing, and submitting information from OEM and partner agencies.
• Support the annual Threat & Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA) process, including collecting capability data, identifying gaps, and completing documentation.
• Develop and deliver training based on agency plans and procedures.
• Assist with planning, conducting, and evaluating exercises to test capabilities and address priority threats and hazards.
• Build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, nonprofits, and private-sector partners.
• Complete training required to maintain proficiency in emergency management and homeland security planning and coordination.
• Conduct special projects related to homeland security or emergency management priorities.
• Manage two staff positions supporting the portfolio.
• Perform other duties as needed to support OEM.
• Serve periodically on an on-call basis, potentially working during emergencies, outside typical business hours, for extended periods, in field environments, watch centers, or during EOC activations.

Benefits

• Unlimited free year-round public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness program eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with local colleges and universities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager